Focuses of research until 2019: Internationalisation of vocational education and training
In the light of the worldwide financial and labour market crisis and high levels of youth unemployment, the German system of dual vocational education and training is cited as a reference model in many states.
The tasks of the Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training (BIBB) include involvement in and analysis of the effects of European VET policy. BIBB takes part in European surveys, studies and analyses. Comparative studies provide a vehicle for investigating the international connectivity and performance dimensions of German vocational education and training.
One of the challenges facing Germany is to secure a supply of skilled workers. The focus here is on recognition of professional and vocational qualifications acquired abroad and on implementation and quality assurance of the Recognition Act. Targeted explanations of the German VET system are drawn up, valid information on the (vocational) education systems of the countries of origin is collected and experiences of implementation are evaluated.
International developments in work and training influence modernisations and reforms of German vocational education and training. In the light of the worldwide financial and labour market crisis and high levels of youth unemployment, the German system of dual vocational education and training is cited as a reference model in many states. A high degree of significance is attached to findings regarding the context within which the dual system can be transferred to other countries and the conditions governing such a transfer.
For this reason, the work carried out by BIBB within the field of internationalisation of vocational education and training concentrates on the following points.
- Shaping the European Education Area
- Monitoring and conducting analyses of the vocational education and training systems of other countries (“system monitoring”)
- Recognitions of competences and skills acquired internationally
- Establishment of dual structures in international VET cooperation