Dual vocational training based on the German model in Mexico

German Sparkassenstiftung for International Cooperation (DSIK) has been active in Latin America for more than 25 years, strengthening the microfinance sector and the range of education offered. After several years of intensive preparation, the first cohort of dual vocational training in the microfinance sector will start in Mexico on January 25, 2021, with 22 trainees in three savings banks (Cajas Populares). Mexico is thus the fourth country in Latin America to implement job training based on the German model (Sparkassenkauffrau/-mann).

A first-generation bank clerk trainee during her practicum phase at an affiliated institute in Ecuador.

Opening ceremony and launch event of the first generation of dual training in Ecuador - June 2019.

Implementation of the final examination of the 3rd generation of dual training in El Salvador (implementation in cooperation with the Fedecrédito association) during the Corona pandemic in September 2020.

The dual vocational training program for "Asesor Financiero/ Asesora Financiera" (Sparkassenkauffrau/-mann) lasts two years, with 70% of the program focused on imparting practical knowledge and experience. DSIK has been cooperating with the training savings banks (Caja Popular Tosepantomin, Caja Popular Las Huastecas and Caja Popular Cerano) for a long time. Lessons in finance and banking theory take place in block phases at the technical universities UT San Juan del Río, UT del Suroeste de Guanajuato and UT Tecamachalco. The technical universities take on the role of a German vocational school.

A state-recognized form of education

The importance of a competence standard for vocational training is exemplified by the German training model with its internationally recognized quality. To give trainees in Mexico the same opportunity, all official authorities had to be involved. The Mexican Ministry of Education (Secretaría de Educación Pública - SEP), the umbrella organization CONCAMEX and the German-Mexican Chamber of Industry and Commerce (CAMEXA) were involved from the very beginning. Together, they developed the independent training program for savings bank clerks (Sparkassenkaufleute), which is recognized by the state.  DSIK has driven quality assurance of all didactic materials and the training of trainers in the respective savings banks and universities.

The history of dual vocational training in Latin America

The Mexican vocational training program is the fourth of its kind developed by German Sparkassenstiftung in Latin America. In February 2014, the first generation had already started their dual vocational training in the microfinance sector in El Salvador, Central America. At the end of September 2020, the third cohort successfully completed this training. DSIK’s partner association Fedecrédito’s great success with the dual training program has led to a new cooperation with Banco de Fomento Agropecuario and a general expansion of dual training in El Salvador.

In 2019, dual training will also start in South America. A total of 65 trainees from German Sparkassenstiftung's partner associations in Peru (FEPCMAC) and Ecuador (UCACSUR) are taking part. In Ecuador the second generation began their training in December 2020, while Peru will follow suit in April 2021. In neighboring Colombia, dual vocational training in the microfinance sector is also scheduled to begin this year.

Virtual launch event

The start of the dual vocational training program is an important milestone for the Mexican financial sector and labor market. On January 25, this achievement will be officially celebrated through a joint virtual event with the  involved technical universities and savings banks, SEP, CAMEXA, as well as the entire team of DSIK in Mexico.

By Gerd Weissbach / Jennifer Berbuir

Deutsche Sparkassenstiftung für internationale Kooperation e.V.
Simrockstraße 4, 53113 Bonn

Phone: +49 228 9703-0
Fax: +49 228 9703-6613 or -6630

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