BIBB / The German vocational training system presents itself in Shanghai

The German vocational training system presents itself in Shanghai

Diana Cáceres-Reebs

BIBB recently presented the German vocational training system in Shanghai at the invitation of the National Association of Vocational Education of China (NAVEC).
The International Vocational Education Forum 2011 was held in Shanghai on 10-11 May 2011. It was organized by NAVEC in conjunction with the Shanghai Municipal Government. Established in Shanghai in 1917, NAVEC is a state-owned corporation in the vocational education and training field.
The Forum was attended by approximately 280 Chinese participants from the Ministry of Labour, Ministry of Education, public and private education facilities, and enterprises. Foreign experts from the USA, Canada, Germany, Great Britain, Australia, South Korea, the World Bank and the International Labour Organization (ILO) were also invited.

Ms Diana Cáceres-Reebs from the Advisory Services and International Cooperation Section represented BIBB at the conference. She presented the German vocational training system, explained the fundamental elements of Germany's 'dual' vocational training system (which combines part-time schooling with practical work experience), and elaborated in particular on topics such as the collaboration between government and trade/industry, the social partners' role in vocational training, and current challenges facing Germany in the area of vocational education and training.

The Chinese vocational training system has many strengths but also numerous weaknesses. For example, China established a national financial aid system for students at vocational schools. Since such schools usually charge tuition, this system ensures that students are able to continue attending classes. In addition, vocational schools work particularly hard to mesh 'trade/industry and school' and 'theory and practice' more closely with one another. This is done by, for example, having vocational school teachers spend six months in an enterprise every three years and by hiring workers from enterprises to teach at vocational schools.

Very weak collaboration between government and trade/industry continues to be a deficit in China's vocational training system. Other problems cited at the conference include the current situation for migrant workers and the low quality of vocational training personnel in the initial and continuing vocational training field. Efforts are underway to modernize the vocational education and training system on the basis of successful models. These inevitably include Germany's dual vocational training system.
All in all, the Forum clearly demonstrated China's strong interest in the German system of vocational education and training.