The German Dual Education System as a Model: The Potential Benefit to America’s Businesses and Young People

The U.S. youth unemployment rate is twice as high as the national unemployment rate. America’s colleges have the lowest completion rate in the developed world. At the same time, U.S. industries face a labor pool crisis. The skills gap will leave more than 2 million jobs vacant in the skilled manufacturing and information technology sector over the next decade. It is worth asking whether we are doing all we can to create opportunities for success for all young people while eliminating the skills gap to create a workforce that supports the growth of our economy.

The Dual Education System is often cited for Germany’s economic success, its low youth unemployment rate, and low levels of earnings inequality. This talk will take a close look at Germany’s Dual Education System and the current state of the U.S. apprenticeship program, with an emphasis on their advantages and opportunities.