Search results

In German craft trade enterprises, on-the-job training is not usually conducted by the formally qualified master but by journeymen and other workers. Although they do not possess any educational qualifications, they are assigned trainees according to workload demands. This article discusses what preconceptions and principles these 'part-time' trainers have and how they approach their training duties. It also proposes improvements to coaching methods for training staff. The central issue is whether we should cease to demand that all prospective masters acquire educational knowledge and teaching skills, and instead concentrate on ensuring that the people who actually conduct training receive more flexible and demand-oriented preparation for their task. Not insignificantly, this would also allow people who are not qualified masters to realise their aspirations of founding an enterprise and conducting training. German regulations currently thwart such aims.