A PTA member in Germany reports that among the parents in a class of 30, only four or five had graduated from college. Even in banks, there are few college graduates among those who are not officers. According to OECD statistics, 53 percent of Koreans aged 25-34 are college graduates; among Germans in the same age group, the figure is just 22 percent. This can be interpreted to mean that Germans can expect to earn a decent living even without a college diploma.

For Germans not wanting to attend college, there is berufsschule, a three-year vocational training program. Students spend two days per week at school and the other three days receiving on-the-job training. After graduation, a lehrling, meaning trainee in German, would normally work for the company at which he or she received training. Thus companies are able to hire trainees at low expense and students receive practical training while earning an income.

Geselle, that is, those who have completed their vocational training, become gardeners, optometrists, bakers and bankers. A geselle with three years of experience and meisterschule training is qualified to take the meister exam. A holder of meister status is recognized as an accomplished expert in his or her area. Many meister bakers earn much higher incomes than medical doctors.

The Ministry of Education has named nine meister high schools. They will open in 2010 and provide education customized to local businesses. Students will receive training from the companies that will later hire them. Each year, 160,000 students, or 70 percent, from a total 700 vocational high schools, enter colleges. We hope these meister high schools truly become vocational training institutions that foster future meisters. To make this happen, there needs to be a social sentiment that respects and appreciates expertise more than a college diploma.

The column was contributed by the Chosun Ilbo's inhouse columnist Han Sam-hee.