ECCP pushing for implementation of dual vocational training

MANILA, Philippines - The European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP) is pushing for the implementation of Germany’s dual vocational training in the country to create more jobs and make growth inclusive.

 ECCP vice president for external affairs Henry Schumacher said that together with European Innovation, Technology and Science Center (EITSC) Foundation, they are planning to reintroduce Germany’s dual vocational training into the country.

“We have models and many companies have benefited already. However, in order to address youth unemployment and create the skilled labor, the private sector needs more cooperation between itself, the government, and vocational institutions,” he said.

“One of the reasons why companies have been shying away from this system is the bureaucracy and the rigidity imposed by government. It is time to revisit dual vocational training,” he added.

The German dual vocational training involves students 16 to 19 years old who are trained in companies for three to five days a week for two to three years.

During the training program, students earn a small stipend and undergo workshops provided by a third party.

At the end of the program, students are given a certification examination.

More than 350 professions are officially recognized in Germany as training occupations with more than 60 percent of high school graduates regularly participating in the program.

“Under this program, students will have the best opportunity to be employed by the company where they are having their dual vocational training as they would already be familiar with the company’s workflow and have gained both hard and soft skills from their training,” Schumacher said.

Countries in the region such as China, India, and Vietnam are currently implementing Germany’s dual vocational training program.

In 2010, the ECCP refocused its EITSC to identify relevant technologies from Europe that can be used for the development of Philippine industries and enterprises while at the same time providing trainings to enable Filipino professionals to address the needs of their respective industries.

The ECCP, meanwhile, has been running a dual education program for the past 16 years with De La Salle University for college graduates called Applied Corporate Management which provides extended practical training in host companies resulting in their hiring even before the program is completed.

“We want to try widening the scope of job applications and the required curriculum development for both the schools and the companies,” Schumacher said.

ECCP is presently conducting a survey with companies to get feedback regarding the priority professions that require dual education.

The dual education model was first introduced here during the time of former President Fidel Ramos when two laws were passed to cover dual education and apprenticeship.