Professor Thomas Deissinger - University of Konstanz on

 Professor Thomas Deissinger from University of Konstanz in Germany, is in Aotearoa NZ to look into the NZ VET system, especially post- RoVE. Today, he visited Ara and provided Te Pūkenga kaimahi (people) with an overview of the German VET system. 

Professor Deissinger's visit comes near the end of his travels to Australia (Brisbane, Adelaide) and Aotearoa (Wellington and Christchurch). His research includes study of anglophone VET systems in the UK, Canada and Australia and Aotearoa is now being added to his sphere of research.

I met Professor Deissinger at several of the INAP (Innovative Apprenticeship) conferences and it always good to be able to touch base f2f with someone who is researching in a similar area. 

Notes taken at the presentation this afternoon:

Covered the German VET context; Teacher Education in VET and the University of Konstanz context.

Summarised the German Education and how VET fits into the overall scheme of things. Highlighted different pathways learners may progress through. There are 1.26 million young people in 2021 who undertook apprenticeship through the dual system.

There has been a decline of demand for apprenticeships from school-leavers. Companies and vocational part-time schools train young people in 324 different occupations. Summarised characteristics of the dual system. 'Chambers' of industry bodies are supervising bodies for in-company training. There is no direct progression to HE. Teachers and trainers have formal qualifications. Trainers qualifications are supervised by the chambers.

Described the 5 'sub-systems' of school-based VET and then detailed the various types of vocational teachers - Master / degree in teaching and discipline, other disciplines degree, technical teachers, side entry from employment with degree in discipline. 

For 'scientific teachers' (the ideal) 5 years to complete Master degree, proof of practical work experience (as apprenticeship) and passing a state exam after 18 months of initial teaching. 

In general, students have one major or two in their discipline degree, take on 'seminars' for training and further education (pedagogical knowledge), then 2nd phase of 18 months of internship (teaching 11 lessons instead of 25 a week) before taking the state exams.