Press Release: A new initiative focuses on practical training for youth

Germany has been at the forefront of dual training (vocational training that includes both a theoretical, school-based component, and a period of practical work within a company). A new initiative focusing on practical training for young people was therefore launched in Berlin on 11 December 2012. At the invitation of the German Federal Education Minister, Annette Schavan, Germany, Greece, Italy, Lithuania, Portugal, Slovakia and Spain, in association with the European Commission, signed a memorandum of cooperation on vocational education and training in Europe.