Company-related examinations are a key component of the dual education and training system. While this enjoys wide recognition globally, the involvement of the examiners often remains hidden. The Northern Black Forest Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IHK) recently acknowledged this voluntary commitment.
"Through their volunteer work, they are supporting the dual education and training system," emphasised Tanja Traub, head of the vocational education and training business area at the Northern Black Forest IHK, as part of the ceremony in the Kurhaus of Bad Liebenzell.
Without the volunteer work carried out by examiners, the training delivered in the economy as well as the work of the IHK in vocational education and training would be impossible.
"They invest their most valuable possession, namely their time," explained Traub in her address, making reference to the 32,000 hours worked by examiners in initial vocational education training alone. She made reference to approximately 1,300 trainees who sat an intermediate examination in 2018 as well as 3,700 young adults who took their final examination. 2500 individuals took upgrading trade examinations while 250 completed examinations testing expert and specialist knowledge.
Principle of self-administration
Not only do they provide focused, specialist knowledge and practical experience for the next generation of professionals, but they also form the backbone of the initial and advanced education and training system and operate on the basis of the principle of self-administration of the private sector. "They also attend training themselves, because the scope and standards of the examinations are constantly increasing," explained Traub. There is constant movement in the economy as well as in vocational education and training.
The prevailing high quality of education and training in schools and companies is critical for maintaining prosperity in the long term, she concluded. She added that the IHK therefore regarded it as their duty and obligation to campaign for vocational education and training. "Their voluntary commitment to testing candidates' competencies is both an important and essential element," commented the IHK representative, acknowledging both the work and commitment of the examiners as well as the support provided by partners and families.
A certificate was presented to 68 examination committee members for service of more than 15, 25 and 40 years - leading the way were Klaus Dieter Boda, Bernd Böhringer, Michael Drexler, Klaus Hammer, Dieter Kälber and Ulrich Smolarek who have been engaged in this work for four decades. Hans Gerstenecker, Karl Heinz Rothfuß and Heinrich Waldecker were also thanked on their retirement from this voluntary commitment.