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Premature Apprenticeship Terminations: An Economic Analysis

Author

Listed:
  • Donata Bessey

    (Department of Business Administration, University of Zurich)

  • Uschi Backes-Gellner

    (Department of Business Administration, University of Zurich)

Abstract

This paper presents empirical evidence on premature terminations of apprenticeship contracts in Germany. Our novel approach uses human capital theory with a regional component as a clear-cut framework for the analysis. It derives testable hypotheses on individual decisions to finish an investment in human capital, namely, their apprenticeship training. Using a German data set, we find some evidence for the appropriateness of our theory, especially with respect to the short-term cost of an apprenticeship. Regional impact factors also seem to have a decisive impact on the decision to drop out from vocational training. We conclude that economic incentives, also long-term ones, seem to play a decisive role in individuals’ decisions whether to finish their training or not.

Suggested Citation

  • Donata Bessey & Uschi Backes-Gellner, 2007. "Premature Apprenticeship Terminations: An Economic Analysis," Economics of Education Working Paper Series 0002, University of Zurich, Department of Business Administration (IBW).
    • Handle: RePEc:iso:educat:0002
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Dostie, Benoit, 2010. "A Competing Risks Analysis of the Determinants of Low Completion Rates in the Canadian Apprenticeship System," CLSSRN working papers clsrn_admin-2010-29, Vancouver School of Economics, revised 21 Oct 2010.
    2. Uschi Backes-Gellner & Donata Bessey & Kerstin Pull & Simone Tuor, 2008. "What Behavioural Economics Teaches Personnel Economics," Working Papers 0077, University of Zurich, Institute for Strategy and Business Economics (ISU).

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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • J24 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Human Capital; Skills; Occupational Choice; Labor Productivity
    • I21 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Analysis of Education
    • J32 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Wages, Compensation, and Labor Costs - - - Nonwage Labor Costs and Benefits; Retirement Plans; Private Pensions

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