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 *