For many people all over the world, “Made in Germany” stands for high efficiency work leading to safe, precision-made, high-tech, reliable, and long-lasting, but also expensive and not-always-customer-focused products. One important reason for this high-quality reputation is the German dual vocational training system, which embeds technical expertise and quality standards deeply into the country’s workforce.
The slogan “Made in Germany”
We owe the slogan to the British who, at the end of the 19th century, forced foreign producers to label their products with the country of origin. The idea was to make the Brits “buy British.”
The campaign backfired and the label “Made in Germany” ultimately developed into a sign of superior quality. Many also associate this tagline with loyalty and trustworthiness, although we will see how the recent scandals involving major players in the banking and automotive industries – the Diesel emissions scandal, including unethical emissions tests – will harm the “hitherto good” (some might also say: sometimes overrated) image of German products in the long run.
The dual education system
How come German products are (overall) of superior quality? In task-oriented Germany, expertise is greatly valued, and many, without even reflecting on it, strive for (or suffer from) perfectionism. When you deal with a German, expect to be speaking to an expert in his or her field.
And, how do people typically become experts in their fields? A very common start to a German’s career path, especially when you like to work in trade, is to undertake a dual vocational education and training (Duale Berufsausbildung).
Depending on the recognized trade you want to pursue (anerkannter Ausbildungsberuf), the standard training duration is two to three years. Currently, you can choose between 326 trades, such as Shop Assistant (Verkäufer/-in), Management Assistant in Wholesale and Foreign Trade (Kaufmann/-frau für Groß- und Außenhandel), Metal Cutting Mechanic (Zerspanungsmechaniker/-in), Alterations Tailor (Änderungsschneider/-in), or Plant Mechanic for HVAC and Sanitary Engineering (Anlagenmechaniker/-in für Sanitär-, Heizungs- und Klimatechnik). In some trades, trainees also need to choose between various specializations (e.g., the aforementioned mechanic would need to pursue a career in air-conditioning, heating, or renewable energies).
You can refer to the Register of Recognised Training Occupations published by the Bundesinstitut für Berufsbildung for updated information.
According to the data published by the Federal Employment Agency as of September 2017, about 62 percent of all people in an employment relationship subject to social insurance contribution had a professional qualification (mit anerkanntem Berufsabschluss) and approximately 16 percent were academics (mit akademischem Berufsabschluss).
Minimum requirements for such an apprenticeship
The minimum entry qualification for any apprenticeship is the degree that you get when you have completed nine years of schooling at a so-called Mittelschule (which could be translated as middle school). For some trades, employers prefer to hire teenagers who completed 10 years of schooling, and in some cases, even Abitur (which you can reach after 12–13 years of schooling at a secondary school) is the required entry ticket for pursuing your dream job.
As in many areas of economic life, regional differences within Germany also affect educational structures. Depending on which of the 16 federal states you live in, school attendance is compulsory for up to 12 years – including trade school (Berufsschule).
The dual system combines workplace training with institutional control
Every company that takes on trainees needs to appoint at least one certified in-house education officer/mentor (Ausbildungsbeauftragte/-r) who is not only a subject-matter expert, but is also pedagogically trained and well-versed with the German Youth Employment Protection Act.
This person needs to ensure that the training is organized in accordance with the criteria catalog of the Chamber of Industry and Commerce (there is one catalog for each of the specific trades), and that, for the theoretical part of the education, the trainees (Auszubildende, short: Azubis) are enrolled at the nearest trade school (Berufsschule) that offers specialized programs for the specific trade.
I, for example, spent about 12 weeks a year at a trade school in Nuremberg. The final exams consisted of a highly standardized written test (multiple-choice questions) and a colloquium conducted by, if I remember correctly, two industry experts and one representative of the Chamber. The committee also went through the record book that I, like every apprentice in Germany, had to maintain for the duration of my apprenticeship. Trainees need to follow the daily protocol of noting down what they have done on each day of their apprenticeship.
The Master Tradesman Certificate (Meisterbrief)
If you want to launch a business, for many professions, a so-called Master Craftsman or Master Tradesman Certificate (Meisterbrief) is mandatory. For example, pastry chefs, butchers, and carpenters need to enroll in one of the more than 3,000 German master schools, where they are to enhance their theoretical and practical knowledge and also need to attend courses in business administration, law, and teaching methods and theory (so that they can train apprentices).
The cost for such schooling varies from 4,000 to 9,000 euros (depending on the craft or trade) and on top of additional expenses like travel costs, about 750 euros are to be borne for examination fees as well. The pay-off can normally be enjoyed after four or five years. I doff my hat to my hairdresser who invested this kind of time and money to be allowed to operate her salon. I have followed her career and enjoyed her craftsmanship for some 15 years now.
The reputation of “Made in Germany” is therefore not a coincidence. It is closely linked to a vocational training system that systematically develops expertise, standardisation, and accountability across industries.