German primary vocational training is characterized by the Dual System, a system of alternating education with two major partners--business and special vocational education. It coordinates and integrates both theoretical and practical training. Students who complete compulsory education at age 15 may choose this vocational alternating training instead of high school and university. Adult education represents vocational "continuing" education, since its main purpose is to adjust, update, and broaden the individual's already existing qualifications. The various institutions providing adult vocational education in Germany are business and industry, chambers of trade and commerce, trade unions, institutions for further education run by the employers' regional and state associations, private academies and schools, and Volkshochschulen (adult education centers). The Arbeitsfoerderungsgesetz, a law passed in 1969, is intended to provide financial support for courses in vocational training both for participants and institutions, especially for the unemployed. The courses and projects must meet certain conditions and participants must fulfil certain requirements to receive financial support from the state. Participants can demand support for their cost of living and reimbursement for all expenditures connected with the course. Such programs can prove useful for a large percentage of participants and heighten their chances in the job market. Additional qualifications cannot, however, guarantee constant employment. (YLB)