The German dual system: a heretical view [1987]

The German dual system of apprentice training has attracted international attention by virtue of the quality of its organisation, the resources devoted to it, and the results obtained. With the aim of at least providing food for thought, and perhaps stirring policy makers into action, a number of recent English language studies have documented it with vigour and clarity (Prais and Wagner 1983, and Hayes et al. 1984, have been especially influential). In the process, however, they have projected a somewhat stylised image of the model. The purpose here is not so much to question the thrust of these studies as to bring into clearer focus some features of the system which are crucial to an understanding of its role in the preparation of young people for employment and which have not received the attention they deserve.