Development of a sustainable approach to introducing the dual vocational training system in Portugal and Spain

The methodological starting point for the dualTRAIN project is ‘policy learning’; by ‘apparently good practice’ we mean exemplary regulations, measures, methods and approaches that have proved their worth in the German context in the design of the dual vocational education and training system and which can serve as a reference for the development of original dual approaches in the footwear industry in Portugal and Spain. The description of the situation in Germany does not merely cover the positive aspects of German training practice; the lessons learnt from past missteps, as well as current weaknesses and areas requiring action, can also serve as references for the development of dual approaches in the footwear industry in Portugal and Spain.

The ‘policy learning’ approach, based on seemingly sound training practices, must fulfil two basic conditions:

1. The comparability of the context and conditions of vocational training in Germany with the circumstances in Spain and Portugal. In this regard, it is particularly important to identify which specific national or local factors may explain the (lack of) success of dual approaches. The aim is thus to identify specific areas for action where a change in thinking or a shift in direction would be advisable in Portugal and Spain, in order to ensure the effective and sustainable implementation of dual approaches in the footwear industry in those countries.

2. The quality of the recommendations, in the sense that they take into account the respective national conditions in Portugal and Spain in order to facilitate the development of dual approaches.