5.3 Meeting with Siemens 5.3.1 The Siemens training centre in Berlin was similar to other training centres that were available in South Africa. However, the effective utilization of its facilities was the factor that made Siemens successful in its programme offering. 5.3.2 The management and coordination of the vocational training at the institution was very effective and, students were in touch with what was happening in the workplace. 5.3.3 The trainers at the institution were very well trained (organized lecturing system) and committed to their tasks. 5.3.4 Good measures for sustainability of the company were implemented effectively. 5.3.5 The main core area of Siemens focused on skills development to improve productivity of the company and the well being of students. 5.3.6 The company invested resources in research and development often neglected by South African companies. 5.3.7 Siemens was a multinational company that contributed to skilling people to participate in the global economy. 5.3.8 The company's training and development policies were well coordinated which sustained the effectiveness of vocational training. 5.3.9 The apprenticeship programme had duration of 2-3 years with students receiving stipends during the duration of the programme. 5.3.10 Institutional memory of the company was sustained tremendously and this led to effective continuity.