Evaluation of pilot project “Gemeinsam zum Erfolg - GzE” Preventing the apprenticeship dropout phenomenon through early detection and intervention as well as cooperation between all three learning locations
The book entitled “Gemeinsam zum Erfolg - GzE” (Grassi, Rhiner, Kammermann & Balzer, 2014) describes specific instances in which early school-based interventions at the start of apprenticeships can reduce the apprenticeship dropout phenomenon. The concept is based on three key elements "systematic early detection", "early intervention based on individual diagnostics" and "cooperation between all three learning locations”. These ideas will now be put to the test in a pilot project.
The evaluation of this pilot project will entail a detailed analysis and assessment of the key project elements:
- To what extent does systematic early detection shed light on learner prerequisites?
- To what extent are systematic diagnostics helpful and necessary for execution of effective, targeted and individual support and guidance measures?
- To what extent has the project managed to initiate and intensify cooperation between all three learning locations?
The pilot project will be conducted – and evaluated on an ongoing basis – during the school year 2015/2016 at two different vocational schools with several hundred learners doing apprenticeships in the fields of “transport construction” and “hotels/restaurants”.
A very well-suited evaluation procedure for pilot projects is the multi-method explanatory case study approach (Fischl & Kaufmann, 2014; Härder, 2015). This approach seeks to produce a detailed picture of the project as it unfolds and as it is experienced. It is not a data collection method in the strict sense, but rather a combination of different methods. For the evaluation, we shall conduct an analysis of documentation as well as qualitative interviews and quantitative online surveys designed to explore the social unit (in this case, the individual schools, classes and learners) as comprehensively as possible. We shall then compare dropout rates after the first year with official statistics.
This broad methodological approach should provide initial indications of the effectiveness and relevance of the GzE pilot project. At the same time, it should provide important findings on factors leading to success or failure. The findings obtained from the pilot project and accompanying evaluation should shed light on future implementation of measures at other vocational schools and branch training centers.
The evaluation of the GzE pilot project is sponsored by the National Poverty Prevention and Reduction Programme (www.gegenarmut.ch).