Can German vocational training combat skill shortages in developing countries? Evidence from dual training system in the Philippines

This paper estimates the impacts of the Philippine Dual Training System (DTS) on labor market outcomes using a recent survey that tracked graduates from DTS and non-DTS programs provided by vocational training institutes. DTS programs partner with local employers to combine on-the-job training (OJT) with the conventional school- or center-based instruction, while non-DTS programs consist solely of the latter. The estimation results in Fuzzy Regression Discontinuity Design show a significantly positive impact on the most-recent monthly earnings. The impact significantly increases with the OJT intensity, measured by the number of hours of in-company OJT. The above results imply that the role played by OJT is essential to support higher earnings for DTS graduates.