“A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step”

Dear Readers,

All those starting out these days on their vocational education and training might be reminded of this Chinese proverb. The 2015 Report on Vocational Education and Training shows that for more than half a million young people in Germany, the dual vocational education and training system provides both an entry into skilled employment and the first steps to the independence and self reliance associated with this. How does this journey develop and which milestones mark out the path into the working world of tomorrow?

Recognise the signs of the times

Academisation, qualifications for specialist staff in the globally competitive market and increasing digitalization of the world of work are not only buzzwords in the political discussion, but are the current challenges which must be faced by responsible figures in education and training and in business. Here it is important to recognise the signs of the times and to interpret these correctly.

Even if increasing numbers of young men and women are studying, specialists are needed who acquire and develop their professional know-how in the work process. It therefore seems to make little sense to resort to threatening scenarios like “academisation delusion” or “academisation trap” and to play off vocational and university-level education and training against one another. Instead, it is more about continuing to equip both systems in line with requirements and, in doing so, bearing in mind the points of intersection and transition. This is because only a permeable education and training system offers options for all.

The close connection between education, training and the job market means that many young people manage to start their career directly after their education and training. It is for this reason, amongst others, that dual vocational education and training is valued highly and is in demand around the world. The high level of respect, however, depends on the extent to which the system manages to remain attractive in the future.

Make employment opportunities visible

If young people can see working and employment conditions which are more in line with their preferences and interests than might be attainable by completing initial or advanced vocational education and training, then it is no wonder that this target group in particular opt for a university degree rather than for education and training. If the intention, as a provider of education, training and employment, is not to become meaningless for this section of generation Y, then smaller businesses in trade and among German medium-sized companies must more than ever take into account the connection between eduction, training and employment. However highly vocational training offers may rate with young people in their career decision making process - without attractive employment prospects these young people will have little interest in the vocational education and training system as a means by which to shape their careers.

Developments discussed under the slogan of “Economy 4.0” offer new and attractive prospects in this respect. As the interlinking of multiple occupations using modern technology is becoming a characteristic of the digital age, job profiles and many workplaces are becoming more attractive than ever for young people. However, above all, competent trainers and vocational school teachers are needed in order to introduce the changes needed quickly and well: They are not only the perfect travel companions for young people taking their first step. Without top qualified education and training personnel, the intended structural transformation in competition with other countries will not be achieved.

FRIEDRICH HUBERT ESSER
Professor Dr., President of the Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training (BIBB)

Translation from the German original (published in BWP 4/2015): Martin Stuart Kelsey, Global SprachTeam, Berlin