China benefits from Germany's experience with quality assurance in vocational training
Diana Cáceres-Reebs, Horst Mirbach
Translated by: Sarah Zimmer (English Language Service)
China's Central Institute for Vocational and Technical Education (CIVTE) and BIBB conducted a workshop for VET experts in Peking on 18 and 19 October 2011. This was the first joint expert-level workshop between the two institutes since the signing of a cooperation agreement in May 2011.
The workshop revolved around the issue of Quality Assurance in Initial and Continuing Vocational Training.
In addition to BIBB and the CIVTE, the workshop was also attended by representatives of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Chinese companies, the trade association for electronics, vocational schools, universities and the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (German Society for International Cooperation).
Participants formulating the objectives of vocational training
Three quality sectors were the focus of discussion:
- Quality of vocational training content (training regulations, framework curricula)
- Quality in cooperation between learning venues (enterprises / schools / 'inter-company' training centres that are jointly used by several companies)
- Quality of vocational training personnel (teachers at vocational schools and trainers)
A distinctive feature of Germany's 'dual' vocational training system (which combines part-time vocational schooling with practical work experience) is that learning in the workplace and in the course of the work process takes centre stage. Thus companies assume responsibility in connection with the provision of vocational training. In comparison, the Chinese vocational training system has a very school-based structure. For example, China does not have any government-recognised training regulations for the provision of vocational training in enterprises. Working together with BIBB, the CIVTE wants to encourage Chinese companies to become more involved in vocational training, along the lines of the German dual vocational training system.
Member of CIVTE presents the objectives of initial vocational training
For this reason a research project was designed during the workshop to identify starting points for this. Using the occupation Motor Vehicle Mechatronics Technician, German and Chinese vocational training content will be compared. The CIVTE will conduct a survey of enterprises and schools for this. The enterprises in China will be the focus of interest here.
Workshop participants develop a roadmap for developing a rough plan for the joint research project.
What content do Chinese enterprises want for vocational training? To what extent are vocational schools willing to adjust their framework curricula to the needs of enterprises and thus to the needs of the labour market? The planned study is expected to provide answers to these questions. The CIVTE will gather this information and BIBB will contribute German experience to the drafting of training regulations.
The findings from the research project will be used to develop a separate Chinese concept for vocational training regulations.
The collaborative work between the CIVTE and BIBB has the long-term aim of getting more Chinese and German enterprises involved in the Chinese vocational training system.
