Electoral qualification

An elective qualification is a differentiation option for state-recognized training occupations . They are described in the training regulations for the respective training occupation. In addition to compulsory content that must be imparted to all trainees, companies can use optional qualifications to incorporate modular training phases ranging from a few weeks to a few months into the training. Due to this modular character, elective qualification units are often used.

scope of application

Elective qualifications come into consideration as a structural element, especially for apprenticeships that are in demand by specialized industries. Each of these companies works on a different range of tasks. The companies can combine various qualifications in individual areas by using elective qualifications. A selection list is available to them in accordance with the requirements of the training regulations (e.g. three elective qualifications out of nine).

Elective qualifications are taken into account in the apprenticeship profile, in the general training plan and in the exams . Their duration is between six and 18 months.

Goal setting

Elective qualifications should enable a “faster transition to future job situations without significant training periods while at the same time increasing the ability to act.” Furthermore, elective qualifications should serve to deepen already acquired qualifications. The trainees should “go beyond a new field of work

• learn and train to work independently and responsibly,
• acquire an overview of methods and become capable of transferring thinking,
• Get to know and apply strategies for problem identification and problem solving,
• Acquire decision-making authority. "

Example machine specialist

In 2008, the apprenticeship machine specialist came into force. It has a modular structure that includes elective qualifications in the third year. The first two years of apprenticeship are identical to the two-year profession as a specialist for vending machine service . The following optional qualifications are available in the third year of training:

• Commercial business processes in the vending machine industry
• Installation and commissioning of machines

Both elective qualifications have a scope of 24 weeks.

In addition to these modules, there are four further elective qualifications, each lasting 13 weeks:

• marketing
• Human resource management
• Maintenance of machines
• Information and communication technology for machines.

Elective qualifications for the apprenticeship machine specialist

The third year of training can be designed by the company through a clever selection of modules so that a more commercial or a more technical training profile is created.

For a commercial profile, the company selects the following three elective qualifications:

• Commercial business processes in the vending machine industry (24 weeks)
• Marketing (13 weeks)
• Human Resources (13 weeks)

In order to achieve a technical profile, the company selects the following elective qualifications:

• Installation and commissioning of machines (26 weeks)
• Maintenance of machines (13 weeks)
• Information and communication technology for vending machines (13 weeks)

In addition to these modules, all trainees are taught qualifications for entrepreneurship over a period of two weeks. This gives you the standard training duration of 52 weeks (3rd year of training).

Differentiation from other differentiation options

Monoberuf

Professions that do not have any internal differentiation are called mono- professions . The qualification profile of the profession does not show any specialization. A 'quasi-internal differentiation' can be achieved by formulating the training content as technically neutral as possible.

Profession with specializations

The use of disciplines is the strongest form of internal differentiation in an occupation. It is an implicit differentiation. Subjects are often used when there are industry-specific features. In the case of a three-year training occupation with specializations, the first two training years are usually identical. In the third year, the specific skills, knowledge and abilities of the respective industry take place. The apprenticeship as a technical model maker knows, for example, the three fields of 'foundry', 'bodywork and production' and 'perception'. The subject areas are taken into account both in the apprenticeship profile, in the training framework and in the final exams . Subjects are therefore shown in the job title as well as in the examination certificate or the journeyman's certificate . A subject has a length of six to a maximum of 18 months.

Elective qualifications can also be combined with subject areas. For example, the apprenticeship printer has specialist fields and, within the specialist fields, elective qualifications.

Profession with focus

An implied differentiation is a training occupation with focal points. In the second and third year of training, modular content is offered in the scope of (as a rule) six to a maximum of twelve months of the entire training period. Priorities are only taken into account in the general training plan and in the exams. Examples of professions with a focus are machine and system operators or building material inspectors .

Profession with areas of application

A field of application represents the weakest form of internal differentiation. Here the training is deepened in one or more fields of application for a maximum of 12 months. The area of ​​application can be taken into account in the examination. Professions with areas of application are, for example, industrial metal professions, e.g. B. the plant mechanic or the tool mechanic .

Elective qualification as an additional qualification

Since elective qualifications are designed as modular training sections, it makes sense to offer these sections as additional qualifications . A high-performing trainee also learns the content of another optional qualification that is not regularly offered during the regular training period. In addition to the regular final exam, he or she takes a further exam in his additional qualification. If these additional qualifications are anchored in a training regulation, one speaks of codified additional qualifications. Examples of professions with these codified additional qualifications are, for example, the music retailer or the media technologist screen printing .

Examples of occupations with elective qualifications

• Vending machine specialist
• Laboratory assistant
• butcher
• Real estate agent
• Retail merchant
• Paint laboratory technician
• Media technologist printing
• Media technologist screen printing
• Music retailer
• Packaging technologist
• Paper technologist

Individual evidence

1. ↑ Definition of an electoral qualification in the BiBB data report . Retrieved January 6, 2011.
2. ↑ ^{a b} Presentation of the BiBB on structural concepts of professions  ( page no longer available , search in web archives )  Info: The link was automatically marked as defective. Please check the link according to the instructions and then remove this notice. (PDF; 169 kB). Retrieved January 6, 1011.  
3. ↑ Information from the BMBF on the reorganization of the chemical and pharmaceutical clerk  ( page no longer available , search in web archives )  Info: The link was automatically marked as defective. Please check the link according to the instructions and then remove this notice. . Retrieved January 6, 2011.  
4. ↑ Objectives of elective qualifications on Chemieberufe.net ( Memento of the original from December 3, 2010 in the Internet Archive ) Info: The archive link was automatically inserted and not yet checked. Please check the original and archive link according to the instructions and then remove this notice. . Retrieved January 6, 2011.