Sino-German Automotive Vocational Education Project

Objective

To provide youth with technical skills and training in the automotive industry while building a local talent pipeline.

Overview and Main Activities

Based on the German dual training system, Volkswagen provides apprenticeships in China and several other countries. Apprenticeships usually take three years to complete and apprentices are trained for IT and engineering positions (such as automotive mechatronics). Following the German model, training consists of both on-the-job and off-the-job training. Upon successful completion, apprentices receive a full-time position with Volkswagen.

This project is divided into ten work packages that include: selection of cooperating schools, national introduction of the apprenticeship course, development of the learning plan, qualification of education personnel, equipment and introduction of competence-oriented examinations. Volkswagen delivers these dual training systems in close cooperation with each country’s responsible education and training institutions, as well as with local partners.

The Sino-German Automotive Vocational Education Project was adapted to the Chinese context in multiple ways:

• Compared to traditional education in China, the programme offers extensive practical elements
• Structured integration of dealer operations within the education (learning in the car service station)
• Use of competencies-oriented examinations and certifications
• Quality management system in pilot schools to ensure sustainability
• Upgrading teachers’ knowledge by providing them with advanced training in modern techniques and learning methods
• Calling training participants “students” instead of “apprentices” to avoid any negative connotation

Key partners that participate in the initiative include China’s Ministry of Education Ministry and the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), on behalf of the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). Educational partners in China include the Hunan Communication Polytechnic, Changsha; Shiyan Technical Institute, Shiyan; Jiangxi Vocational & Technical College of Communication, Nanchang; Liuzhou Vocational & Technical College, Liuzhou; and Xinjiang Vocational University, Xinjiang.

Similarly, in Spain, based on an agreement between the German and Spanish ministries for education, the programme includes an element where the apprentice works in Germany for part of the duration in order to develop German language skills.

Other examples of dual training systems are programmes with Portugal’s ATEC (Associação de Formação para a Indústria); the USA’s Tennessee Technology Center and Chattanooga State Community College; India’s Directorate of Vocational Education & training (DVET), located in Mumbai Maharashtra; Russia’s College for Information Technologies and Management (KKITiU) and Brazil’s SENAI (Serviço Nacional de Aprendizagem Industrial).

To transfer dual vocational training models of one country into another is extremely complex. The German model was not copied one-to-one, but key principles of the dual vocational training were integrated into the current Chinese education system. An important task was furthermore to win over traders for the cooperation.

Success Factors and Challenges

Most critical success factors:

• Close cooperation between Volkswagen and the responsible education and training institution
• Funding and investment
• Reduction of cultural barriers

Main challenges:

• Consideration of the respective government education system requirements
• Consideration of legal requirements
• Accreditation of the vocational training through the responsible authorities
• Implementation of the programme within vocational education system
• Recruiting programme participants

Recommendations for Others

It is important, firstly, to involve business in vocational training. Developing a unified, holistic curriculum is also key. The project in China resulted in a textbook, which will be freely accessible. It is also recommended to change participants’ focus away from “memorizing” to “independent work on the vehicle”, using the example of a vehicle repairing order; invest in teacher training; develop action-oriented tests; and improve the image of hands-on training through education.

Replicability and Scalability

How easily could other organizations implement this initiative?
Easy: Much of the work in China has already been done. However, using the model for other countries would be much more difficult due to local conditions.

How easily can this initiative be expanded to include a larger number of participants?
Easy: However, the project is dependent on finding the right partners – the right schools with enough teachers and facilities.

About the Organization

Website: www.volkswagen.de
Sector: Automotive
Size (number of employees): 100,000+
Headquarters: Wolfsburg, Germany

For Further Engagement

Contact name: Olaf Katzer
Contact position: Volkswagen Group Academy
Email: [email protected]