Between 1960 and 1966, the GDR government used “basic occupational training” to prepare secondary-school students for occupations as early as possible—with the goal being to steer youngsters into industries where workers were needed. In 1966, however, the “professionalization” guideline was revised in favor of “general socialist education.” Nevertheless, polytechnic instruction as a whole remained an essential element of the educational system, accounting for more than 10 percent of the hours taught at polytechnic high schools. Pictured are Berlin students completing their “School Day in Production” on the shop floor. Photo by Volker Döring.