Training Partnerships as a Standard Model for the Organization of Dual Vocational Education and Training

Here, the questions will be explored as to whether single-company vocational training is still up-to-date under the framework conditions of the modern economy and whether the concept of the training partnership will be an additional or even the appropriate form for dual vocational training in the future. In-company vocational training is reaching its quantitative limits for two reasons: (1) flexible labor markets are dependent on broad-based occupations; (2) international quality competition forces many companies to specialize in the subcontracting sector. Thesis 1: The specialization of many small and medium-sized enterprises is not sufficient as a basis for comprehensive and qualified vocational training. This is the reason for the interest in training partnerships. Thesis 2: Training partnerships can reduce training costs and increase benefits. In a training partnership, there is usually sufficient qualified training staff available by whom the training cooperation can be competently planned and organized. In terms of training content, training partnership means using the respective business processes for joint and mutually complementary training. The cost-benefit ratio for vocational training in a developed model of training partnership is clearly different from the established practice of single-company vocational training. The subsidies for in-company vocational training and the financing of substitute training places could be significantly reduced. All experiences and studies show that the concept of the training partnership is a training model that on the one hand fits into the existing structures of dual-organized vocational education and training and on the other hand points beyond this tradition.