This brochure informs readers about Germany's unique process for developing initial vocational training regulations. These regulations are the basis for initial vocational education and training within the dual system (a company-based apprenticeship combined with part-time vocational school) in which many young people in Germany gain their first vocational qualifications.
For many vocational school students, the new school year begins with one new and 15 modernised occupations requiring vocational training to choose from, the training regulations of which became effective on August 1, 2011.
Since 2004 the German Federal State of Schleswig-Holstein cooperates with the company Siemens in the field of further training for teachers at vocational training schools. The topic "Energy efficiency and intelligent automation" now complements the training series.
The Federal Ministry of Education and Research and the Federal Ministry of Economy and Technology start a new information campaign under the heading "Vocational Education and Training – practically unbeatable".
The German Chambers of Industry and Commerce and the Otto-Wolf-Stiftung, a nonprofit foundation, awarded the "Initiative Prize Vocational Education and Training 2011".
President Christian Wulff underscored the important role played by vocational education and training in Germany, called for greater permeability between different educational pathways and proposed a "new culture of open doors".
Despite the fact that there will be - due to the shortening of the number of school years - twice as many school leavers as usual and despite the suspension of compulsory military service, perspectives of the apprenticeship market in Germany are good.
