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The following is issued on behalf of the Legislative Council Secretariat:
The delegation of the Legislative Council Panel on Education continued its duty visit in Germany yesterday (September 23). Members of the delegation met with representatives of the government and trade associations to gain an insight into the collaboration between the government and the business sector in the provision of vocational education.
On the third day of visit in Germany, the delegation visited the Welcome Center Hessen (WCH) in the Federal Employment Agency (the Agency) in Frankfurt in the morning. Members were given an introduction of WCH by its representative, Mr Alberto Coronado, and learnt that WCH offers support and advice, including vocational training and continuing education, to new comers of Hesse. They further learnt that WCH is a joint venture of the Hessian Ministry of Social Affairs and Integration (HSM) and the Agency in cooperation with the Chamber of Skilled Crafts Frankfurt-Rhein-Main (the Chamber).
In addition, Members met with the Researcher at Institute for Vocational Training, Labour Market and Social Policy GmbH, Dr Frank Zerayohannes-Bölts; and the Deputy Manager of a social enterprise, berami e.V., Ms Sigrid Becker-Feils, to learn about the role played by the academic sector and social enterprise in fostering vocational education and training in Germany.
At WCH, Members also attended a meeting with the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Agency, Mr Karl-Heinz Huth; the President of the Chamber, Mr Bernd Ehinger; and Ms Claudia Wesner of HSM. They shared with Members their experience in implementing dual vocational training in craft-based industries and how government policy had helped retain skilled labour in Hesse.
In the afternoon before its departure for Switzerland, the delegation visited the Frankfurt Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IHK). Members were presented the role of IHK in dual vocational training in Germany.
The delegation will begin its visit in Switzerland today (September 24).
Ends/Thursday, September 24, 2015
Issued at HKT 18:15
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