Editing German model (section)

== Vocational education and training ==
{{See also|Education in Germany}}
[[File:Kaminfegerausbildung-2008 09 10 038.jpg|thumb|A [[modern chimney cleaning|master chimney sweep]] and apprentice in 2008]]
The system of [[vocational education]] is perhaps the most important component of the German model, and is still very prevalent in the German educational system. In Germany, there is a much heavier emphasis on [[apprenticeship]]s for skilled positions, taught by expert worker-instructors. It has been made possible through long-term politics, focusing on establishing stronger links between the dual vocational education and training system and institutes of higher education, on improving integration into vocational training through basic skills and permeability and on establishing national coverage of branch-specific regional initial and continuing training centres.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.unevoc.unesco.org/worldtvetdatabase1.php?ct=DEU|title=TVET Country Profiles|website=www.unevoc.unesco.org}}</ref>

As such, there is a lower percentage of university students in Germany when compared to other Western countries, and a much lower percentage of persons entering the workforce for on-the-job training.

Vocational training is required for a large number of occupations. At the end of vocational training, a highly regarded certification{{Citation needed|date=May 2010}} qualification is awarded that is valid for a range of over 400 occupations. This is in stark difference to other European countries, where the number of controlled occupations is much smaller.{{Citation needed|date=May 2010}}

Critics cite inflexibility of the school system as the main disadvantage. Some 60% of graduates change their profession within 10 years of graduation.{{Citation needed|date=May 2010}}