Reality of Forestry Labor's Education System in Germany:

Case of Dual System in Baden-Württemberg State

Abstract

This study investigates the realities, roles, and representatives of the education system intended for the forestry labor force in Germany. The Baden-Württemberg's case study yielded the following results: (1) Like other industries in Germany, the Forstwirt curriculum is implemented through a vocational education-based dual system, directed by the federal state. (2) This vocational education system is identified as a part of the hierarchized school education system, and therefore, a fixed number of apprentices are ensured annually, and the number of forestry personnel also remains stable. (3) The dual system established for the Forstwirt assigns states with the undertaking of a large percentage of the on-job-training. Further, states must play a major role in guaranteeing employment to individuals who have completed their apprenticeships and finally aid them in securing jobs in private business organizations. (4) Albstadt, a municipal body in charge of the on-job-training, ensures direct recruitment of forestry personnel for its own forest areas and supplies forestry personnel to regional private business organizations. The abovementioned findings demonstrate that the education system for the forestry labor force in Germany ensures that public organizations, particularly states, safeguard both sides of the dual system; thus, it facilitates the continuous and stable supply of Forstwirt qualified personnel without having to rely on the management of private business organizations.