Suzhou Chien-shiung Institute of Technology. [Photo/csit.edu.cn]

Three graduates of Suzhou Chien-shiung Institute of Technology have secured apprenticeships with companies in Germany, marking the first cohort from the college to enter the country's dual vocational training system.

The three graduates, who majored in mechatronics, were recruited in September thanks to the solid technical skills and German-language proficiency they developed during their studies.

The institute is the only higher vocational college in Jiangsu province to operate a program with a German university of applied sciences, providing students with a pathway to international vocational training and career development.

Germany's dual vocational training system combines classroom learning with hands-on experience in the workplace. Apprentices typically spend around 30 percent of their training time at vocational schools studying professional theory and general education, while the remaining 70 percent is devoted to practical training at partner companies. They also receive a statutory training allowance from their employers while gaining first-hand experience in Germany's industrial sector.

Upon completing the program and passing the required assessments, apprentices can obtain a training certificate from their German employer, a graduation certificate from the vocational school and a nationally recognized professional qualification issued by the German Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK) or the German Confederation of Skilled Crafts (HWK).

These qualifications help graduates establish a foundation for further career development in Germany and across Europe.