Abstract
The apprenticeship system is the most important source of formal post-secondary
training in Germany. Using German register data – the IAB Employment Sample – it is found that apprentices staying with their training firm after graduation have a longer first-job durations but not higher wages than apprentices leaving the training firm. Retention rates, first job durations, and post-apprenticeship wages are all increasing functions of training intensity. Some implications for the ongoing debate as to why firms are willing to invest in general training are discussed.
Euwals, Rob