Vocabulary

 

release	reflect (2)	experiment
to opt	commerce	competence
dual	chamber	qualification
element	practical	apprenticeship
vocation	expertise	at the same time
contrast	reinforce	advantage
combine	curriculum	unemployment
transmit	tackle (2)	chamber of commerce
conduct	up to date

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Video

 

 
 
 
 

Transcript

 
So as we see, having different systems can sometimes be problematic.

But that’s not all.

There are also many students doing highly popular vocation courses on a day-release basis, meaning they go to school two or three days a week and to work for the rest of the week.

How does that work?

Let’s find out more . . .

Today Julian is conducting experiments. He is one of more than two-and-a-half million students who have opted for the dual-education system.

He studies in a vocational school in Hanover, where studies are combined with practical elements in a workplace.

Julian Rohr, Student: “I now have the wheel of the robot in my hand, and I control the axis.”

The dual-system allows young people over the age of sixteen to spend one or two days a week in classes, while following an apprenticeship at the same time.

Uwe Schmidt, Teacher: “We’re a state school, and we give qualifications that go beyond the area, which means competence about the technical area. But we also want to transmit a social expertise.”

This interest in a social education is reflected in the curriculum, where the schools also teach general knowledge courses: Julian is taking a politics course.

The other four days a week, he works at an IT company.

What he learns at school, he puts into practice there.

Julian Rohr, Student: “Through school, I reinforce what I learn here. I also learn new things that is not only theory, but in the laboratory, we also learn practical things.

The contrast of the two things is very good.”

After two or three years of training, Julian must pass both a practical and a theoretical exam to receive his certificate.

The vocational system was designed in the eighteenth century. But it remains current and is a good way of tackling unemployment.

Rica Kolbe, Berlin Chamber of Commerce and Industry: “You have the advantage, compared to an academic education, of already having work experience. Our qualified works usually have a better chance of finding a job.”

Unfortunately, these schools need up to date equipment. And that does not come cheap — this machine costs around 330 euros.

But it’s a good investment: at this school, around 80% get a job at the end of their studies.

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Questions

 
1. The dual-education system is very popular among young people. Is this correct or wrong?

2. Basically what is the dual-education system? How does it operate?

3. Is there a connection between the classroom courses and the workplace?

4. Do they teach only technical subjects in the classroom?

5. The students automatically receive a certificate after they have completed their studies and training. True or false?

6. Is the dual system a new, modern development?

7. What are the advantages of it?

8. Are there any challenges or difficulties in the dual-system?
 
 
 
A. Are dual-education programs popular in your city?

B. How do skilled workers become qualified in their fields?

C. Are or would your friends be interested in the dual-system?

D. There should be more dual-educational programs. Do you agree?

E. What may happen in the future?