WMU: The Workforce Education and Development System in Germany (Faculty-led)

The course will provide a brief but intensive investigation of the vocational education and training system in Germany through a number of visits to vocational schools, corporations, and universities. Germany has a highly-developed apprenticeship system, serving as the model for most European countries, about which vocational educators in America can learn.  The visit will be hosted by two universities in the northern part of the country: The University of Magdeburg and the University of Bremen. Participants will visit several vocational schools and their partner businesses, and observe various teaching and learning styles.

The Universities of Magdeburg and Bremen were recommended by the German Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training.  Their GO:VET office handles numerous requests from around the world for information on the German vocational system according to their website, they had 106 inquiries last year from individuals in other countries.  They also cooperate with institutions in other countries to set up visits by scholars.  Both institutions have international offices and provide English translation services.