1. Introduction The Portfolio Committee on Higher Education and Training undertook a study tour to the Federal Republic of Germany from 02 - 09 December 2011. The main purpose of the study tour was to obtain in-depth knowledge of the German post school education system with special focus on vocational education and training (VET) and skills development. The study tour was also a benchmarking exercise to ascertain the level of South Africa's post school education system compared with that of Germany to ensure that best practices may be incorporated into the country's post school education system. The Committee interacted with various stakeholders including federal government ministries responsible for vocational education and training and skills development. During the study tour visit, the Committee had an opportunity to interact with the following stakeholders / ministries, namely: the South African Embassy, the Confederation of German Trade Union, Siemens, the German Parliament, Humbodlt University, Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development, the Federal Ministry of Education and Research, the Chamber of Skilled Crafts and Vocational Training, the Federal Institute for Vocational Training and International Marketing for Vocational Education.