The dual system of education and training is increasingly gaining significance in Ecuador. The Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK) Aachen has been committed, as part of a vocational education and training (VET) partnership, to establishing this since 2012.
So far, the joint project between chambers, associations and vocational education and training organisations in Germany and Ecuador has resulted in the implementation of eight training courses in line with the German model. This means, according to IHK Aachen's assessment, that training structures have been introduced in this South American country on a sustainable basis. "80 per cent of the final examinations here are now identical to those in Germany. This is an extremely positive result," explains Michael Wirtz, IHK Honorary President and Honorary Consul of Ecuador, on a visit to Aachen by His Excellency Manuel Mejía Dalmau, Ambassador of the Republic of Ecuador.
As part of the partnership, the dual system has been introduced for the following occupations over the past 6 years: "Mechanic in plastics and rubber processing" (currently 34 trainees), Mathematical-technical software developer (187), "Machine and plant operator" (67), "Textile mechanic" (58), "Apparel tailor"(100), "Wood mechanic" (28), "Industrial mechanic, electronics technician" (28) and "Specialist in food technology" (45). The total of 547 trainees are currently working locally in 118 companies and receiving instruction from 389 trained trainers. In December 2014, the trainees numbered just 23, while there were five companies and 30 trainers. "The numbers have constantly risen since then. Despite the difficulties in policy making and in education and training in Ecuador, the dual system has developed well and even exceeded our expectations," explains the IHK honorary president.
The project aims to make companies more competitive and to improve the employability of young people. In doing so, the German Chambers of Industry and Commerce (DHIK) - which manages the project in Germany - and the Aachen Chamber are seeking to lay the foundations for the further development of vocational education and training. For example, the IHK Aachen has so far placed 15 examiners and trainers - mainly from the Aachen Chamber district - and every two years is sending Martin Brewer, the Chamber's training advisor, on a supervisory visit to Ecuador. In the new higher education act in Ecuador, the German certification has even been made equivalent to the Ecuadorian Title of "Técnico".
The German support will come to an end as planned following the project phase this year. "Corporación Formados" was established in January to support the further expansion of vocational education and training. As an institution, its purpose is to strengthen the positioning of vocational education and training with respect to government stakeholders, and to present itself as a strategic partner for Ecuadorian business within vocational education and training.
At their meeting, and in addition to cooperation in the area of dual education and training, discussions between IHK Aachen representatives and the Ecuadorian ambassador also covered the work of the Jülich Solar Institute, the "Cyber Security for the Aachen Region" initiative, and the food sector in the chamber's district.