Archive

In times of societal transformation, the interaction between the labour market and VET is facing considerable challenges. This issue of BWP asks how VET can be structured in a way which enables it to keep pace with the speed of the transformation.

This issue of BWP provides numerical data which forms the basis for an objective debate on what has been achieved thus far and on the remaining challenges in respect of sustainably promoting integration in and via vocational education and training.

The examination system is being altered by reforms and by digitalisation. The pressure to modernise is considerable. This issue sets out the current challenges and presents research results and approaches towards the further development of the examination system which have been adopted in practice.

A new publication by BIBB in cooperation with the Institute for Labour Market and Career Research (IAB) and the Institute of Economic Structures Research (GWS) presents assumptions, data and basic projections from the “Qualification and Occupational Projections" (QuBe project).

The results of the 7th wave provide an overview of the expected development of the German labour market up to 2040. The economy is on a threshold. Many resources are becoming scarcer, particularly as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine.

Renewable electricity, green hydrogen and power-to-X products will replace fossil fuels in the future. Based on a meta-analysis, a new BIBB Discussion Paper forecasts future import needs for Germany in the event of a developed hydrogen economy.

The Russian invasion of Ukraine has extensive implications for Germany and the rest of the world. A new QuBe study shows how this will affect the German economy and labour market as well as areas of action that can mitigate the impending consequences.

On behalf of the Federal Ministry of Education and Research, the QuBe project is investigating the implications of the National Hydrogen Strategy for the German labour market. An initial report presents the current state of research on the labour market consequences of a hydrogen economy in Germany.

The coalition agreement challenges the construction industry with its goals in housing construction and climate protection. Analyses of the QuBe project show that the skilled workers required for implementation are currently not available. Therefore, specific measures are offered.

As part of the 6th wave of the BIBB-IAB Qualification and Occupational projections, dossiers on occupations for 36 main occupational groups have been compiled for the first time. Using various indicators, they illustrate the development of the individual occupations in the basic projection.

The international conference hosted by "Education and Employers" took place under the motto "Preparing Young People for the Future". BIBB Director of Research and Vice President, Prof. Hubert Ertl, analysed the role of employers in initial and continuing vocational education and training in Germany.

Increasing mobility, digitalisation and climate protection targets require a transformation in the mobility system. The "MoveOn" III report models this regime change using a scenario analysis up to the year 2040. It shows specific changes on the German labour market.

The results of the updated forecast for a digitalised world of work are now available on the QuBe data portal. In addition to supply and demand, which can be shown both by person and by working hours, the adjusted search durations are also available for download.

On behalf of the Climate Neutrality Foundation, QuBe team determined the labour market effects of climate protection measures to achieve a 65% reduction in greenhouse gases by 2030. According to the study, the path to a climate-neutral Germany has positive effects on the economy and labour market.

At a virtual conference hosted by BIBB, representatives of national vocational education and training institutes and research facilities from 14 European countries spoke out in favour of further developing and strengthening VET research in Europe.

Inspired by the international GOVET survey regarding the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on VET and the labour market, the US Department of Labor initiated a digital round table on this topic. BIBB Director of Research Prof. Hubert Ertl opened this first well-founded exchange of expertise.

Following an invitation from the German Embassy, Prof. Ertl last week participated as an expert as regards the dual VET system in high-level events taking place in Boston and in Washington DC. The background is a legislative initiative to introduce Industry-Recognized Apprenticeship Programs.

The vast majority (83%) of applicants able to find a company-based training position are receiving training in their desired occupation or in one of their desired occupations. These are the findings of the representative BA/BIBB applicant survey.

Even if an occupation reflects the activities in which they are interested, many young people will still tend to drop it during the career choice process if insufficient social recognition appears to be on offer. This is the main outcome to emerge from a study conducted by the BIBB.

Around eleven percent of skilled workers in Germany who have completed dual VET carry out higher level tasks for which a higher qualification is typically required. Men have a clear advantage over women, as the new issue of BIBB REPORT shows.

The development of the German VET system and more specifically of the dual system relies on regular data collection. The Data Report of the BIBB is a selection of most relevant and actual data on the German VET system.

Stakeholders from academic research, policy making and practice all have an equal role to play in the shaping of vocational education and training. Yet how can dialogue produce sustainable concepts and solutions given the differing logical approaches and interests involved?

An increase in the population, hostorically low unemployment and shortages of skilled workers in specific occupations – especially in health care occupations – will characterise the labour market in Germany in 2035. This is shown by current projections by BIBB and IAB.

Following his appointment last year as Professor of Vocational Education and Research at Paderborn University, BIBB Research Director Prof. Ertl has now delivered an inaugural lecture entitled “Vocational education and training research in the age of digital transformation”.

BIBB’s English website has been complemented by a new section on the German vocational education and training (VET) system. In addition, important terms can now be looked up in a VET glossary.

For a period of three months Dr. Rein (BIBB) will conduct research on the subject of “Compatible degree and non-degree post-secondary education in the US“ at the American Institute for Contemporary German Studies (AICGS) in Washington DC .

Harald Pfeifer has been appointed as Professor of the Research Centre for Education and the Labour Market (ROA) at Maastricht University. This bolsters cooperation in research into economic issues relating to vocational education and training.

What will dual VET look like in the industrial sector in ten years’ time? In order to examine issues of this nature in greater detail, BIBB hosted a workshop  which was attended by around 40 specially chosen participants from several industrial sectors.