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