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34/ 2009
Bonn, 30.09.2009
The 2009 Hermann Schmidt Prize - Three projects singled out for outstanding vocational training concepts
Additional MINT qualifications for high-powered vocational education and training was the theme of the 2009 Hermann Schmidt Prize competition which was conducted this year for the 13th time. The Innovative Berufsbildung association for innovative vocational education and training singled out projects and campaigns that foster 'dual' vocational training (which combines part-time schooling with practical work experience) by developing attractive training programmes that include additional MINT qualifications (MINT = mathematics, information technology, natural sciences, technology/engineering). The Innovative Berufsbildung association is funded by the Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training (BIBB) and the W. Bertelsmann Verlag (wbv) publishing house. This association works to foster and draw attention to innovative approaches in day-to-day vocational training practice and to recommend them as examples worth emulating. The competition is named after the former BIBB president Professor Dr Hermann Schmidt who headed the Institute from 1977 until 1997. The award ceremony was held in Constance in late September at the 10th Vocational Trainer Conference which was sponsored by the Christiani-Verlag publishing house.
When competing over the best minds of the future, Germany's dual vocational training system must have attractive, innovative vocational training programmes at the ready to offer high-achieving, motivated youths. Background: In order to remain competitive in the international arena, trade and industry in Germany need highly-qualified skilled workers, particularly in MINT fields. Additional qualifications are an instrument for meeting this need and for boosting the quality and attractiveness of dual vocational training.
Using additional qualifications, enterprises can respond quickly and flexibly to changes in their skill needs and, in the process, get 'tailor-made' vocational training. Additional qualifications contribute to a speedy implementation of industry innovations and expand the content of vocational training programmes. Further, they can foster a closer meshing of initial and continuing vocational training because they impart skills, knowledge and qualifications during the initial vocational training stage which can be subsequently credited toward continuing education courses or recognised advanced vocational training programmes. Thus, the use of additional qualifications greatly increases the attractiveness of educational pathways in the vocational education and training field.
The winners selected from the submissions in the 2009 competition were:
1st Prize (€ 3,000): The Electrician for Set Tasks on Hybrid Vehicles project conducted by BMW AG
The arrival of innovative, environmentally-friendly hybrid technology in the automotive sector has made it an absolute necessity to intensively prepare trainee motor vehicle mechatronics technicians and trainee mechatronics fitters for the use of this new technology. For this reason, BMW AG has integrated the additional qualification Electrician for Set Tasks on Hybrid Vehicles (Elektrofachkraft für festgelegte Tätigkeiten am Hybridfahrzeug) into the 'dual' vocational training it provides. In addition to focusing on the technical components used in, for example, the high-voltage engineering field, this training also assigns an important role to occupational health and safety issues. Participating youths who pass the skilled-worker examination and earn this additional qualification during their third year of training are issued a special certificate confirming that they earned additional qualification as an Electrician for Set Tasks on Hybrid Vehicles. The jury commended the project's model character and underscored that the project is closely linked to the vocational training programme for the occupation Motor Vehicle Mechatronics Technician and is relevant to the workplace and the job market.
Contact: Helmut Kroneder, BMW AG, Petuelring 130, 80788 Munich,
E-mail: helmut.kroneder@bmw.de , Internet: www.bmwgroup.com
2nd Prize (€ 2,000): The Specialised IT Consultant with Bachelor of Arts Degree project conducted by Siemens AG
Youths who participate in this combined training programme at Siemens AG can earn three qualifications in just three and one-half years:
- Qualification as an Information Technology Specialist with specialisation in systems integration or applications development
- Certificate for the additional qualification Specialised Consultant
- Bachelor of Arts degree (in Business Administration)
Using this approach, Siemens AG trains highly-qualified junior specialists for IT-based business segments. Trainees learn not only the technical content that is specific to their dual vocational training for the occupation Information Technology Specialist but also become proficient in the use of the Microsoft Vista and Linux operating systems and can earn the Cambridge University Business English Certificate. The programme was launched in 2005 with 20 trainees. Today, more than 200 trainees are enrolled in it. This innovative project makes an important contribution to expanding trainee skills and fostering career development. The project has created a transparent and permeable programme that involves vocational training, advanced training and university studies and offers graduates good prospects on the labour market.
Contact: Ulrich Plattmann; Siemens AG, Heinz-Nixdorf-Ring 1, 33106 Paderborn,
E-mail: ulrich.plattmann@siemens.com , Internet: www.siemens.de/ausbildung
3rd prize (€ 1,000): The Information Technology Specialist for Systems Integration with Additional Qualification project conducted by the Berlin-based Oberstufenzentrum Informations- und Medizintechnik
The aim of the dual vocational training programme for the occupation Information Technology Specialist for Systems Integration with Additional Qualification being offered by the Oberstufenzentrum Informations- und Medizintechnik (OSZ IMT - Berlin College of Further Education for Information Technology and Medical Equipment Technology) is to avert an imminent shortage of IT specialists. This three-year programme encompasses not only fields such as systems integration, network administration, and the development of IT plans for configuring hardware and software but also a number of technical and language-related additional qualifications. Trainees undergo training to earn a European Business Driving Licence during which they acquire a fundamental knowledge of management and economics. This knowledge increases their economic and social competence. The jury also commended the international focus of the additional qualification. Ninety trainees are currently participating in this programme. Another 45 trainees for the occupation Information Technology Specialist for Systems Integration with Additional Qualification will join the programme in 2010.
Contact: Karl-Heinz Schiffl, Oberstufenzentrum Informations- und Medizintechnik (OSZ IMT), Haarlemer Straße 23-27, 12359 Berlin, E-mail: schiffl@oszimt.de , Internet: www.oszimt.de
The supplement in Issue 5/2009 of the BIBB journal Berufsbildung in Wissenschaft und Praxis - BWP (Vocational Training in Research and Practice) contains brief descriptions in German of the prize-winning projects and other competing projects. This supplement can be downloaded free of charge from the BIBB website at www.bibb.de/hermann-schmidt-preis . Further information about the awards ceremony and press photos are also available at the same internet address.
