oho #3 - The magazine of the Principality of Liechtenstein

Business/Education
“ 100pro!” is helping
to tackle the shortage
of qualified workers
Photo: ThyssenKrupp Presta
26
ThyssenKrupp Presta also supports dual vocational training
What is needed is a healthy mix.” Does the dual vocational
training model have export potential? “It certainly does”, says
Werner Kranz, Head of the Office of Vocational Training and
Careers Advice. “Vocational training “made in Liechtenstein”
could be a great export. In view of low youth unemployment
and considerable demand for qualified employees, the export
of the dual vocational training model to other countries could
really make a tangible difference.”
Apprenticeships have undoubtedly helped many enterprises
in Liechtenstein develop into world market leaders, stresses
Schurte. He has his doubts, though, that the vocational
training model could be transplanted in precisely its present
form to all other countries. “To make the system work, a
corresponding social environment is also required. Ambition
and a willingness to work hard need to be firmly anchored in
society.”
Increasingly individual educational strategies
When it comes to the first level of training, the ratio between vocational
training graduates and baccalaureate graduates in Liechtenstein is about
70 to 30. Metalworking and mechanical engineering occupations as well
as the field of organisation/administration/office work are the most
popular choices. These are followed by technical occupations, nursing,
sales and construction. Since 2005, the number of successful vocational
training graduates has remained broadly constant at 300 to 350. A total of
approx. 1,200 apprentices are undergoing training at about 340 active
apprenticeship firms at any one time. After completing their
apprenticeships, an increasing number take up further training
opportunities. These are provided in particular by higher vocational
colleges or universities of applied science. This means the Liechtenstein
education system offers many routes for young people to pursue their
personal and professional development, and from every starting position.
In order to boost the status of dual vocational training,
and in order to support training enterprises as well as
trainees, the Chamber of Commerce has launched the
initiative “100pro!” The programme rests upon three
pillars: trainee coaching, enterprise coaching and
association training.
For young apprentices, trainee coaching offers very
practical support in the schooling field. In addition to
remedial schooling, semester appraisals and
methodological learning advice, homework is also
overseen within the context of the Homework Lobby
(HALO). This aims to ensure that students achieve their
scholarly potential.
Enterprise coaching provided by “100pro!” eases the
administrative burden on enterprises associated with
recruiting apprentices, drawing up training curricula,
or conducting qualification interviews. This enables the
enterprises concerned to focus on the practical training.
Association training is designed to enable even small
enterprises and specialist firms to create training
places with a broad curriculum. The apprentices are
employed by the Liechtenstein Chamber of Commerce,
and complete their specialist training in accordance
with a carefully-coordinated deployment schedule at a
succession of affiliated enterprises. An association
agreement stipulates precise details of the collaboration
between the Chamber of Commerce and the individual
enterprises.
“100pro!” currently oversees 170 apprentices in a wide
variety of fields. 25 are completing vocational training
within the association of different enterprises, 60
apprentices are benefiting from enterprise coaching,
and an average of 80 apprentices receive trainee
coaching.
“The active combination of specialist and training skills
means young people with successful qualifications
reach the labour market. This is helping to tackle the
shortage of qualified workers,” says Ivan Schurte, Head
of the Vocational Training Department at the Chamber
of Commerce.
Interview
For Remo Kluser,
Head of Vocational Training at
Hilti AG, dual vocational training
has great export potential.
www.liechtenstein.li/
education