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In Germany, the group of young people with the most extended transition from school to work are those achieving higher education entrance qualifications (Abitur), then serving an apprenticeship in the German dual system and later pursuing higher education. On the basis of three Anglo-German comparative studies, this article highlights the factors influencing the young people's choice to enter the dual system, such as strong social support by relevant persons (e.g. family members) and a distinct self-esteem and self-concept. It is pointed out that those entering the dual system are more risk-averse than other students with higher education entrance qualifications. It can be shown that many of those who start to study after the apprenticeship choose subjects based on the occupational field they have been trained in.