Title: Export of German-style vocational education: a case study in the automotive industry in Puebla, Mexico

Authors: Judith Wiemann

Addresses: Department of Economic and Social Geography, Faculty of Management, Economics and Social Sciences, University of Cologne, Albertus-Magnus-Platz, 50923 Cologne, Germany

Abstract: German multinational enterprises carry out German-style vocational education and training activities at their global branches. This case study on the educational programs of the automotive industry located in the State of Puebla (Central Mexico) aims to generate a deeper understanding of how and why the German apprenticeship model is exported to Mexico and implemented locally. The interaction between the companies and the institutional and organisational environment in which the multinational enterprises operate are analysed. Findings indicate that the three dual apprenticeship programs of Volkswagen, Audi and Schuler - although all located in the same institutional environment - show different degrees and ways of adapting to the local environment.

Keywords: internationalisation; MNE strategies; German dual apprenticeship; institution building; Puebla; Mexico; Volkswagen; Audi; skill development; training; Germany.

DOI: 10.1504/IJATM.2017.084805

International Journal of Automotive Technology and Management, 2017 Vol.17 No.2, pp.208 - 222

Received: 27 Sep 2016
Accepted: 20 Dec 2016

Published online: 29 Jun 2017 *

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