On 16 August 2024, a courtesy visit and discussion focused on the Filipino Apprentice Movement in Germany was held at the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), attended by key representatives from the German-Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GPCCI), German Embassy, and the DMW. The discussion highlighted the role of the Dual Education Training (DET) system in equipping Filipino students with practical skills, while also addressing the challenges that have emerged.
Mr. Tristan Loveres, Board Member of GPCCI, began the discussion with an emphasis on the effectiveness of the DET model in bridging the gap between formal education and practical experience. The dialogue also explored the workforce needs in Germany, with a focus on specific skills such as mechatronics, welding, and electromechanics, among others. It was noted that while there is significant demand for skilled Filipino workers in these areas, the absence of a streamlined regulatory process which complicates the movement of apprentices and trainees.
From the perspective of the German legal framework, according to German Embassy Economic Counsellor Dr. David Klebs, the entry of trainees and apprentices is recognized and facilitated, particularly under Germany’s Skilled Immigration Act. Moreover, German law recognizes DET apprenticeships as a combination of learning and working, classifying trainees as workers. But the Philippines’ lack of equivalent structure has created challenges in processing apprenticeship visas for Filipinos; the interpretation of visas given by the German Embassy, especially when issued in the German language, has also posed difficulties for the Philippine Bureau of Immigration (BI) Authorities, as the definitions and expectations of such visas differ between the two countries.
Atty. Delmer Cruz, DMW Labor Attaché (previously posted in Berlin), noted that while the DET model is familiar to the DMW, a significant gap remains that must be bridged through a common framework between Germany and the Philippines. Without clear regulations, there is a heightened risk of exploitation by unscrupulous entities, with only licensed agencies capable of being monitored and held accountable.
As a way forward, the participants agreed on several key actions. These include the following:
- Develop and Issue Advisory - Create and distribute clear guidelines outlining the required clearances for traineeship and apprenticeship programs.
- Establish Bilateral Agreement - Formulate a bilateral agreement on traineeship and apprenticeship between Germany and the Philippines, drawing from similar existing agreements with other countries.
- Coordinate Visa Categories - Work with relevant authorities to identify and establish appropriate visa categories for trainees and apprentices.
- DMW-GPCCI Partnership Formalization - formalize the partnership between the DMW and GPCCI, including coordination with the Embassy in Berlin and Consulate General in Frankfurt.
- Licensing System for Agencies - Implement a licensing system to monitor and regulate agencies recruiting Filipino apprentices.
- Formal Launch - Organize a formal ceremony to mark the launch of these initiatives.
- Regulatory Framework for DET Graduates - Ensure that graduates of the apprenticeship programs are recognized as workers and subjected to appropriate regulations, without additional work application fees.
