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Can a standardized aptitude test predict training success of apprentices?

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Abstract

Due to a widely spread distrust in the signalling value of school grades, Swiss employers require external, standardized aptitude test results when recruiting new apprentices. However, the predictive quality of such test results has never been thoroughly researched. Therefore, this case study analyses whether external aptitude tests can improve the quality of predicting success in apprenticeship training. I find that such information is a) not correlated with school grades at the end of compulsory schooling but b) does not add information that would explain either the success in VET schooling (school grades in the first and second year of apprenticeship training), the probability of unexcused vocational school absences or the likelihood of a premature ending of the apprenticeship contract.

Suggested Citation

  • Michael Siegenthaler, 2011. "Can a standardized aptitude test predict training success of apprentices?," KOF Working papers 11-270, KOF Swiss Economic Institute, ETH Zurich.
    • Handle: RePEc:kof:wpskof:11-270
    DOI: 10.3929/ethz-a-006329924
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    1. Mühlemann, Samuel & Wolter, Stefan C. & Wüest, Adrian, 2009. "Apprenticeship Training and the Business Cycle," IZA Discussion Papers 4460, Institute of Labor Economics (IZA).
    2. Maria De Paola & Vincenzo Scoppa, 2010. "A signalling model of school grades under different evaluation systems," Journal of Economics, Springer, vol. 101(3), pages 199-212, November.
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    Cited by:

    1. Latina, Joelle & Ramirez, José V., 2017. "On the efficiency of school tracking: a perspective from outcomes in dual VET in Switzerland," Journal for Labour Market Research, Institut für Arbeitsmarkt- und Berufsforschung (IAB), Nürnberg [Institute for Employment Research, Nuremberg, Germany], vol. 51(1), pages .2(1-13).
    2. Latina, Joelle & Ramirez, José V., 2017. "On the efficiency of school tracking: a perspective from outcomes in dual VET in Switzerland," Journal for Labour Market Research, Institut für Arbeitsmarkt- und Berufsforschung (IAB), Nürnberg [Institute for Employment Research, Nuremberg, Germany], vol. 51(1), pages 1-2.
    3. Samuel Muehlemann & Romy Braendli & Stefan C. Wolter, 2013. "Invest in the best or compensate the weak? An empirical analysis of the heterogeneity of a firm's provision of human capital," Economics of Education Working Paper Series 0086, University of Zurich, Department of Business Administration (IBW).
    4. repec:iab:iabjlr:v:51:i:1:p:art.2 is not listed on IDEAS

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    Keywords

    Apprenticeship; Hiring; Aptitude test; Predictive validity; Screening; KOF-Key-arbeitsmarkt;
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