Completed project · 2014–2017
Workforce Skill Formation and Innovation at the Shop-Floor Level in China
Problem statement: While German companies increasingly internationalise, German VET research remains nationally focused or, at most, European. Little is therefore known about how companies abroad develop and train shop-floor workers in different socio-cultural and political environments. Objectives: The exploratory project sought insights into VET internationally, beyond familiar national and European boundaries.
Research question: How do German companies abroad, particularly in China, train and develop shop-floor skilled workers where no system comparable to German dual training exists?
Research approach: The study examined previously unexplored shop-floor skill formation in German companies outside Europe. It took place in the economically booming Shanghai region, home to 40% of German companies operating in China.
Results: Findings were published in a doctoral dissertation. An international conference in 2015 brought together 100 participants from 20 countries, including China, the USA, Australia and African countries, enabling expert exchange on VET worldwide. ‘Crossing Boundaries in Vocational Education and Training’ has continued biennially in different European cities since 2015.