Learning venues in initial vocational training – the potential and the reality

Questioned about the characteristics of the dual system, respondents usually mention the two learning venues of the workplace and the part-time vocational school, supplemented in some instances by inter-company or external training facilities. Nevertheless, on the face of it, learning venues are no more than a means to an end: namely, to impart the competences for vocational proficiency in a recognised training occupation. So naming the three learning venues raises some fundamental implicit questions: Is the institutional designation of learning venues helpful when it comes to assessing their respective potential and limitations for achieving the objectives of vocational training? Which learning venues or combinations of venues best fulfil the training objectives? Which factors contribute to the quality of vocational training processes in the learning venues? – This sets out some of the main questions which are pursued in the article.