Switzerland has the same concept and we have some of the best professionals coming from apprenticeships, we do 4 years here for some of the more "complicated" fields like chemistry and software developer.
I am a Swiss software developer with the apprenticeship title and I tried to find work abroad (mainly asia). Problem: Around the world that dual education system is unknown or not well recognized and not even respected. Despite that most apprenticeship professionals form Germany, Switzerland and Austria are slightly "better" after finishing their education than most MD graduates!
As underlines mentioned, Switzerland has a similar concept of apprenticeships. The aspect I appreciate most (and as far as I am aware somewhat separates the Swiss system from others) is the permeability between the trade and academic spheres.
The vocational schooling (as discussed in the article) consists of two parts; technical skills and general education. The latter part is divided into two groups: apprentices are required to either complete the mandatory program or invest some extra effort and earn a high school equivalency diploma (Berufsmaturität) at the same time. Students who fail theirs drop to the standard program and continue their apprenticeship.
Upon completion, those who chose to get a Berufsmatur hold the necessary certifications to get into any University of Applied Sciences in their field and pursue a Bachelor's or Master's degree. Access to general Universities is limited to those holding a "proper" Matura, but there even is a one-year program for people with a Berufsmatur to attain a full Matura. Universities again are (to some degree) required to offer part-time programs, so studying and working at the same time is possible.
Finally, students who finished an UAS BSc/MSc are generally admitted to standard Universities. Some terms (between half a semester and a full year of extra classes required) may apply, but there actually is a reasonable path from dropping out of "proper" high school to getting an MSc or possibly even a ScD/PhD.
Just like Tobi I consider myself a kinesthetic learner. School never really piqued my interest, so my performance was lackluster. I went for an apprenticeship instead, combined it with a Berufsmatur, later on with a BSc in Computer Science and as I am now finishing my MLaw in Cybercrime/Information Security, I am barely a year or two older than most of my peers but hold (including the apprenticeship) around a decade of professional experience. (Usually four instead of five days a week, so feel free to subtract a 20% dicsount.)
Comments
Switzerland has the same concept and we have some of the best professionals coming from apprenticeships, we do 4 years here for some of the more "complicated" fields like chemistry and software developer.
I am a Swiss software developer with the apprenticeship title and I tried to find work abroad (mainly asia). Problem: Around the world that dual education system is unknown or not well recognized and not even respected. Despite that most apprenticeship professionals form Germany, Switzerland and Austria are slightly "better" after finishing their education than most MD graduates!
In early 2014 the president of South Korea came to visit my vocational school in Bern, Switzerland because they may implement the dual education system according to the state news: https://www.news.admin.ch/message/index.html?lang=en&msg-id=...
As underlines mentioned, Switzerland has a similar concept of apprenticeships. The aspect I appreciate most (and as far as I am aware somewhat separates the Swiss system from others) is the permeability between the trade and academic spheres.
The vocational schooling (as discussed in the article) consists of two parts; technical skills and general education. The latter part is divided into two groups: apprentices are required to either complete the mandatory program or invest some extra effort and earn a high school equivalency diploma (Berufsmaturität) at the same time. Students who fail theirs drop to the standard program and continue their apprenticeship.
Upon completion, those who chose to get a Berufsmatur hold the necessary certifications to get into any University of Applied Sciences in their field and pursue a Bachelor's or Master's degree. Access to general Universities is limited to those holding a "proper" Matura, but there even is a one-year program for people with a Berufsmatur to attain a full Matura. Universities again are (to some degree) required to offer part-time programs, so studying and working at the same time is possible.
Finally, students who finished an UAS BSc/MSc are generally admitted to standard Universities. Some terms (between half a semester and a full year of extra classes required) may apply, but there actually is a reasonable path from dropping out of "proper" high school to getting an MSc or possibly even a ScD/PhD.
Just like Tobi I consider myself a kinesthetic learner. School never really piqued my interest, so my performance was lackluster. I went for an apprenticeship instead, combined it with a Berufsmatur, later on with a BSc in Computer Science and as I am now finishing my MLaw in Cybercrime/Information Security, I am barely a year or two older than most of my peers but hold (including the apprenticeship) around a decade of professional experience. (Usually four instead of five days a week, so feel free to subtract a 20% dicsount.)
Depends what sort of apprenticeships a proper Craft apprentice is 4 years and thats seen as a level below the asociate profesional ones.