Does Dual Training Make the World Go Round? Training Models in German Companies in China, India and Mexico

Abstract

The transfer of dual training from Germany to other countries is widely debated. However, there is little, if any, academic research in this area. The present study addresses this research deficit and examines the training activities of German companies in China, India and Mexico. Data was collected in 86 manufacturing companies of differing sizes and producing different goods. The evaluation of a total of 149 interviews with training experts showed that both the local training system and the German system can serve as a model for companies’ training. Hybrid forms combining local and German elements also exist. Even within a company, different parallel types of training can be identified. However, the orientation to local training practice is the dominant model in all three countries.