Vocational training and continuing education

The Role of the CCI in the Dual System

The Chambers of Industry and Commerce makes it's mark with regard to the high quality of inital and further vocational training, through their definitions of standard examination criteria and procedures as well as their experienced voluntary examiners.

According to the Vocational Training Act, Chambers of Commerce and Industry are competent bodies for initial vocational training, further training and re-training.

More information on training profiles and basic information on individual training occupations: http://www.bibb.de/en/ausbildungsprofil_971.htm

The Vocational Training Act regulates the following tasks of the CCIs:

Statutory Regulations:

Counseling of trainees and training employers
Determining the suitability of the training facilities
Supervising the execution of training
Reduction and extension of the duration of training
The setting up of an arbitration commission

Organizational Regulations:

Establishing and keeping training registers
Organizing of examinations
Setting up examination boards to carry out final and intermediate examinations
Establishing vocational training committees within the chamber

The Vocational Training Contract covers the following data:

Nature, contents, and chronological order of the vocational training program
Beginning and end of the training period
Training courses outside the training establishment
Duration of daily training hours and annual leave
Duration of the probationary period
Payment and setting of amount for trainee wages
Circumstances under which the vocational training contract may be terminated

Examinations

Intermediate Examination

- to ascertain the training level the trainee has reached

- for admission to the final examination

Final Examination

- test of practical skills (samples of work)

- theoretical test (written examinations)

- oral examination

- board of examiners consists of at least three members
(employers, employees, and vocational school teachers)

Examination Certificate

The film "Vocational Education and Training in Germany - Assuring the Future" presents the basic elements of the German VET system, such as collaboration with government and industry, the "two learning venues" principle, and qualifications that are recognized nation-wide.

Temporary Stay Abroad in Vocational Training

The regulations regarding vocational training presents the possibility of a stay abroad as an element of the training. It would be agreed upon on a voluntary basis within the vocational traing contract. The duration of the stay abroad can amount to up to a quarter of the full training period. Through blocks of training with foreign partners, the companies are able to make their training more attractive as well as transmit international know-how to their future employees. For this purpose,financial support is offered by various EU programmes.

At the end of their stay, the trainee is required to document the qualifications and abilities achieved during their stay. In order to acieve this, the EU offers a "Europass Berufsbildung". It includes details about the nature and content of a practical course abroad.

Facts and Figures 2007 CCI Frankfurt