A comparative research about the related factors influenced on the attractiveness of vocational education and training between China and Germany

Abstract

This research discusses the factors influencing the attractiveness of vocational education and training (VET) in China and Germany. The research questions include what are the related correlation factors, and do those factors differ in the two countries. The research aim is to examine a phenomenon in modern society. China believes that the German VET system, especially the dual system, is a successful VET model, and we explore whether it is worth learning or borrowing from the dual system. Based on the analysis, suggestions will be made as to how to improve the attractiveness of vocational schools in both countries.\\

The first research method is the literature review, which is the foundation of the whole thesis, offering the theory background and guidance. The second research method is the historical research, which introduces the historical process of VET development. Thirdly, linear regression analysis is used, according to which collected data about the related factors are tested to ascertain which factors are related to the attractiveness of VET. The fourth research method is comparative factor analysis. When the related factors have been proved, it will be evident whether the factors in the two countries show a significant difference.\\

Historically, traditional apprenticeships in the handicraft industry have been maintained in Germany and applied to other industries in modern society, while in China, the traditional official apprenticeship has faded with the demise of the feudal dynasty. Under the Confucian cultural background, vocational education has always been less attractive than academic education. In Germany, no matter the traditional religious opinions or the pre-modern philosophy theories, an equality of thought has both promoted. Nowadays, especially in the past 20 years, the data analysis shows that in two countries there are different factors influencing the participation rate in initial vocational schools. In Germany, the young population, especially the young male population, has a positive influence on the attractiveness of VET. The youth unemployment rate and the number of completed contracts are both positive correlation factors. In China, results show that female vocational teachers and female vocational students have a positive effect on VET. \\

The historical factors and the influencing factors in modern society in the two countries are different, and how to improve the attractiveness of VET in the different countries is different. The German VET system is worth taking note of and the Chinese VET system should pay higher attention to learning from it.