Differences of European Education Systems

In Germany, Finland and in The Netherlands it is possible to obtain higher qualifications -ranging from the teaching profession to an academic degree- by continued or further education. In other countries like Austria or Denmark the decision must be made very early in the course of education as to whether it is going to be a skilled trade or an academic career which will be pursued. Even within apprenticeship training there are wide differences as to the application of qualifications: In Spain and Finland the trade of a carpenter or a bricklayer is taught on the job and these two trades are not strictly separated. In Austria and Norway, on the other hand, these skilled trades are clearly defined, in particular, during vocational training .

There are also differences regarding the type of training: In Austria and Germany, there is a dual education providing training partly in schools and partly in construction companies. In other countries, training is acquired either only in schools (e.g. Spain, Estland) or by a triple education system which offers -next to school and construction company- contractor's training yards (Switzerland) as a third training opportunity.

In some countries, like The Netherlands, there is a choice between school training with practical work and a dual education with four days on the building site and one day at school. Other than in Austria, the work contract is not concluded with the company but with the "SWV", a regional association of several big building contractors. The practical part of the dual system can therefore be completed in different construction companies. In The Netherlands, a modular training system has been tested for quite some time now. In Germany, the modular training system was introduced in 1999.

more on this:
	Theme Book Training Strategy
	Final Report
	Further Training for Skilled Building Workers in Austria