Vocational training in Germany, but also in Switzerland and Austria, often internationally known as “apprenticeship model” or “Dual System”, is considered the “success model”. It does not only provide training possibilities for young people, particularly also for those not willing or capable of acquiring academic qualifications but – as is the general opinion – has considerably contributed to economic upswing and the prosperity of society. Currently especially the low youth unemployment rate is in the focus, which is found in those countries having a “Dual System”. Thus it does not come as a surprise – and is indeed suggesting – that other countries would like some kind of transfer or pursue a kind of “policy borrowing”, by referring to this model in the context of the “modernisation” of their societies or educational systems. In this context, there have been subsequent phases of internationally debating vocational training as an “export hit”, not only in Europe and the OECD countries but particularly also in Third World countries, and there have been and still are a number of attempts to introduce this model.   

Thus, also in recent times the call for the export or introduction of dual systems in Southern European countries, but also in Great Britain and furthermore in many Third World countries, has become louder again.

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