calamitysandra
Posts: 1682
Joined: 3/17/2006
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I have seen the German dual system of University or vocational training referred to repeatedly. I do agree with the premise, and while I do not believe it to be perfect it works quite well.
But I feel I should point out some things about what vocational training (Ausbildung) in Germany means, and how it works, because I have seen some misconceptions, especially about the duration of training and the content, already.
Getting a Ausbildung in Germany is not a fast "monkey see monkey do" thing. While duration varies a bit, it normally takes 3 to 3 1/2 years. This time is divided between school with specialized courses germane the the chosen profession, as well as a good deal of general education classes, and practical instructions, often in a specialized training facility in addition to the field training.
During the duration of the schooling the apprentice gets paid a stipend which varies in hight according to profession.
The apprenticeship is concluded by a series of exams, practical tests as well as theoretical ones.
We do it this way for a wide variety of professions like plumber, nurse, hairdresser, laboratory assistant, electrician, secretary, sales assistants, medical technicians, and dressmaker to name just a few.
As you can see, there are highly skilled jobs on the list which would require college in the US, as well as other professions which need a substantially shorter training time in the US.
Now, once you are done you are released into the workforce with a very specialized degree and high skill level directly relating to your chosen field, which is an asset, of course, but can also be an hindrance if you need to switch careerer paths.
I wanted to illustrate, that while the German system works, and I like it a lot, it is not the short cut into the workforce it has been made out to be.
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"Whenever people are laughing, they are generally not killing one another"
Alan Alda
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RE: If US colleges are too easy, who is to blame? - 
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