The »German System« of Vocational Education

The German "dual system" of – non-academic – vocational training has once again become the subject of public debate. Current discussions focus on whether or not this training system has a future at all, given the increasing popularity of grammar schools and tertiary education. The signs of its erosion are becoming more and more visible.
The present book is the first comprehensive analysis undertaken on the historical development of the dual system of training in relation to its future prospects. It documents the role that the dual system has played in cultural, socio-economic and political processes and its ambivalent relationship to the general system of education.
The author continues on to examine the structure of the dual system at the time of its extension to eastern Germany. In the light of his survey findings, he then takes a critical look at the many proposals that have been made to stabilize the system.
This book represents an important contribution to the current debate on education and vocational training policy.