IW study shows that advanced training is worthwhile!

A current survey conducted by the German Institute for Business Research (IW) on behalf of the Agency for Vocational Education and Training (VET) of the Association of German Chambers of Industry and Commerce (DIHK-Bildungs-GmbH) has shown that persons who have completed advanced training do not lag behind their colleagues with higher education degrees when it comes to responsibility, prospects and income.

Achim Dercks, into question of the Association of German Chambers of Commerce and Industry (DIHK) presented the results of the analysis in Berlin in May 2016. The object of investigation was the career prospects of persons who had undertaken upgrading training, for example those who upon completion of initial VET had opted to pursue continuing training leading to qualifications such as master craftsman or certified senior clerk. In the German Qualifications Framework, these qualifications are aligned to the same level as a Bachelor degree.

Achim Dercks pointed out that this group "was much more significant in quantitative terns than was generally surmised" and comprised some 50,000 persons completing a qualification each year solely in the sector governed by the chambers of industry and commerce and chambers of crafts and trades. "And this is not the only thing. Firstly, persons completing advanced training often take on considerable responsibilities. Secondly, they enjoy outstanding prospects for development. And thirdly, they are in possession of a good income."

Commenting on the results of the IW study, the DIHK deputy said that those who undertook advanced training were often direct line managers. They enjoyed a wide range of career prospects, achieved good salaries and were even less likely than higher education graduates to fear the loss of their job.

"Last but not least, trade and industry also benefits from those who complete advanced training," said Mr. Dercks. Higher level vocational education and training was an important driver of innovation. "The good ideas of an engineer are nothing without the input of a certified industrial foreman who is able to transfer such ideas into the company production process in a detailed and efficient manner."

In overall terms, the results of the study were "a clear signal to young people to consider all possibilities when choosing their career pathway and not only to think about higher education study."

Mr. Dercks warned: "In Germany, there is a general need for a clear commitment to vocational education and training, including to higher VET, on the part of all responsible stakeholders." Although the upcoming reform of the Upgrading Training Assistance Act was an important first step in this direction, "it should not in principle be a taboo subject to call the 'free of charge culture' of higher education into question" with a view to obtaining educational financing that was more balanced and fairer in overall terms.

The DIHK Deputy Managing Director announced that the organisation itself would use the investigation "to publicise upgrading training and its positive effects in an even stronger way than was previously the case."