Human Resources committee  I can tell you an interesting story. We have a new president here at our Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training, Professor Esser. He learned a trade. He's a baker, a simple baker. After becoming a baker he went to university. He got his school leaving exam and he went to university.

Human Resources committee  Maybe I can add to this. We have quite a good balance between the employers, employees, and trade unions. These institutions have a dual function. On the one hand they are represented in the companies. The entrepreneurs are organized in their own associations, and the employees and apprentices are part of this.

Human Resources committee  I would like to add something to that. The principle behind it is that there shouldn't be an incentive. The companies should see it as in their interest to see the training of young people as an investment in their future, and that normally works. But if the economic situation is too volatile, then we interfere just a little bit to help it along, but not very strongly.

Human Resources committee  Thank you, Ms. Verfürth, for your overview. I would suggest that we wrap up our presentation, and we will take any questions you may have there in Canada.

Human Resources committee  In that case, I will provide you with some basics on vocational training in Germany. Occupational training means we have a dual system whereby students are employed by companies and do part of their training in a vocational school. That's what we mean when we talk about dual training.

Human Resources committee  Thank you very much. It's a pleasure to have this exchange with you. We hope the technical conditions will enable us to have a good exchange. Please signal if you are experiencing any communication problems. If I may, I would like to make the introductions. I am responsible for the department.