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.

The BIBB run portal of the German Federal Government for the recognition of foreign professional qualifications presents itself with new content, a new structure and a new design. There are now dedicated sections for international skilled workers, counsellors, and employers.

In order to learn and work abroad, more and more teachers and trainees from companies and vocational schools complete a stay in a European partner institution. An analysis by NA at BIBB shows how the number of stays abroad that counted towards vocational qualification has developed.

In 2019, training allowances based on collective wage agreements increased across Germany by an average of 3.8% to €939 gross per month. The rise in allowances was thus similar to that recorded in 2018 (3.7%).

There is a growing sense of awareness in Germany of the cultural heritage of the craft trades. Therefore, nationally standardised advanced training regulations for the qualification of “Certified restorer in the craft trades” in 19 different trades are introduced for the first time.

As of now, inter-company training centres and comparable organisations are able to submit new applications to the BIBB within the scope of the “Career Orientation for Refugees” Programme. BOF courses may be implemented until the end of 2021.

The practical training of skilled workers through the teaching of occupational employability skills is the unique selling point and key sales argument in international training markets for German exporters of initial and VET provision. This is shown by iMOVE at BIBB's 2019 Trend Barometer.

Due to demographic trends, the demand from young people for dual training positions has fallen to under 600,000 for the first time. There was also a fall in the number of training positions on offer as well as newly concluded dual training contracts.

The exchange of experience and ideas on projects and initiatives for successful vocational education and training cooperation is the focus of the 1st German-African Forum on VET which is being organised by BIBB and the German-African Business Association in Berlin.

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.

The nationally successful “Digital media in VET” roadshow has now also made its international debut. BIBB and Asia-based VET stakeholders presented examples of good practice at the specialist trade fair „Worlddidac Asia“ in Bangkok.

Digitalisation is opening up new opportunities for measuring competencies of trainees. Research indicates a clear trend towards computer-based testing tools. This is the finding of a literature-based overview study by BIBB which has now been published.

The Vocational Training Act entered into force 50 years ago on 1 September 1969. BIBB President Esser marked the occasion by stating that the law is a guarantor of high-quality VET.

Technological progress has always taken place. But what causes it? Who or what drives it? And what are its impacts? Twelve video interviews with well-known researchers from different disciplines contribute to the present debate surrounding the future of society and work in a digital age.

BIBB President Esser has marked the beginning of the new training year on 1 August by emphasising the need for initial and continuing vocational education and training to be even more closely linked in future.

The revision of the training occupation addresses technical, economic and organisational changes and developments that have taken place in craft trade practices in the field of industrial cleaning. The updated training regulations replace the existing regulations from 1999 as of 1 August 2019.

BIBB and GOVET will be presenting innovative approaches and successful practical examples in VET at the “re:publica” Conference in Berlin from 6 to 8 May.

BIBB and its French partner institute CÉREQ have concluded a new cooperation agreement. In light of growing global challenges, BIBB and CÉREQ will pool their expertise via such vehicles as joint comparative and cross-border research projects.

Demand for training places by young people and young adults and the number of training places offered by companies both rose once again in 2018. Nevertheless, recruitment problems on the training market exacerbated further. These are the main outcomes of the 2019 BIBB Data Report.

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.

Impressive start: Around 1,300 training contracts have been concluded in 2018 in the new training occupation of “management assistant in e-commerce”. With just over 15,000 new contracts the occupation of information technology specialist made it position 7 in the Top 10.

Each organ is an individual piece. The building of organs is a craft with a long tradition. But also here, above all technical and electronic innovations took place. The new training regulation with the specialisms of organ building and pipe making enters into force on 1 August 2019.

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 BIBB is robustly pursuing its Open Access Policy by continuing to expand academic research services in the field of vocational education and training and VET research. BIBB has made a “VET Repository” available online with immediate effect.

In light of the rising numbers of higher education students, the BIBB has conducted a study into which pupils are more likely to commence a programme of vocational education and training despite being having a higher education entrance qualification.

The BIBB will advise Iran on its planned VET reforms. At a workshop in Teheran which BIBB helped to organise, Germany and Iran signed a Memorandum of Understanding on future vocational education and training cooperation between the two countries.

An investigation conducted by the BIBB shows that recognition of applications submitted from abroad is already working well. The stakeholders involved, however, believe that there is still room for improvement.

In 2018, training allowances based on collective wage agreements increased across Germany by an average of 3.7%. The increase was thus stronger than in 2017 (2.6%). Throughout Germany, the average training allowance was €908 gross per month. This is shown by a BIBB analysis.

More company-based training places on offer, more newly concluded training contracts, but also more unfilled training positions as well as an increase of men and decrease of women applying for trining positions – the are the results of the BIBB analysis of the training market development in 2018.

There has been a sharp rise in the number of foreign trainees who are citizens of one of the most common non-European asylum countries of origin. Significant growth has been reported by the skilled trades. These are the findings from a special analysis by BIBB.

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.

The third generation of young people with a migration background are just as successful in the search for a training position as young people without a migration background. The results are presented in the latest issue of the BIBB REPORT series.

If the choice of occupation will not positively impact their status in their social environment, young people tend to stay away from the occupation concerned, even if they would have enjoyed the work it entails.

Russian hairdressing apprentices completed a German final examination for the first time. GOVET at BIBB and the German National Association of Hairdressers support the German-Russian cooperation that has the aim of assuring quality in vocational education and training in Russia.

Vocational education and training across borders: In the latest issue of its specialist journal "BWP" with a special focus on international mobility, the BIBB carries out a more detailed investigation of how many trainees in which occupations avail themselves of the opportunity to train abroad.

The BIBB has used a data-based simulation to investigate the issue of which businesses would be affected by a minimum training remuneration and how high the anticipated cost increase might be for companies. Result: Small businesses face particular challenges.

The new training year officially gets underway on 1 August. It will also feature no fewer than 25 re-regulated occupations, including the entirely new option of “management assistant in e-commerce”. BIBB President Esser: “Pace of adaptation is increasing because of digitalisation”.

The production of made-to-measure footwear is the crowning discipline of the shoemaking trade. With its fresh designation "custom shoemaker", the individual and hand-made manufacturing process is emphasised. The new regulation enters into force on 1 August.

Knives, scissors, drills, milling tools and saw blades: Sharpness and precision are simply a necessity for tools in order to fulfil their intended purpose. Starting on 1 August, the manufacture of such articles will be governed by the new training programme in the occupation of precision tool mechanic.

The production and reforming of steel, copper, aluminium, lead and gold have always been procedures involving plenty of heat. The new training regulation takes account of technological developments and enters into force on 1 August 2018.

The task of precious stone engravers is to bring out the true beauty of the stones and render them useful. The new ordinance will offer the four specialisms of “industrial diamond cutting”, “jewellery diamond cutting”, “precious stone cutting” and “precious stone engraving”.

Industrial metal working and electrical occupations are a focal point for the ongoing digitalisation of the world of work. Eleven restructured training regulations and various optional additional qualifications enter into force on 1 August 2018.

A new BIBB analysis provides a comprehensive overview of the cost and benefits of continuing vocational training for participants. They contribute significantly to financing their continuing vocational training.

"VET must become the pacesetter for the working world of the future! This is because no other training and qualification pathway is better suited to preparing people for the company requirements of tomorrow," explains President Esser to conclude the 2018 BIBB Congress in Berlin.

Internal training remains the ideal way for many companies to secure their requirements for skilled workers over the long term. These are the findings of a BIBB company survey, which were presented at the opening of the BIBB Congress in Berlin.

Different vessels, equipment and pipework are required for products made in the chemical, food and cosmetics industries, as well as in shipbuilding. The new training regulation for vessel and equipment constructors enters into force on 1 August 2018.

Flat glass technologists process and finish industrial flat glass for windows, display windows and cabinets, safety glass for banks and glass panels for solar energy systems. The updated training regulation takes into account digitalisation and modern control of production.

Computer-controlled machines and modern methods in addition to manual processing of natural stones: The updated training for stonemason and sculptor combines tradition with modernity.

The "Klischeefrei" initiative campaigns for a world in which the choice of occupation and degree is free from gender-specific role models. Support from companies and institutions is rising. The BIBB is also supporting career orientation free of stereotyping with Girls’ Day and Boys’ Day on 26 April.

More people now start training with higher education entrance qualifications, more training positions remain unfilled – These are the findings from the 10th and anniversary edition of the Data Report. The thematic focus of the 2018 BIBB Data Report is vocational orientation.

Persons with little or no educational background participate comparatively rarely in continuing education and training. The findings of the wbmonitor survey conducted by BIBB provide new ideas for potentially effective strategies aimed at overcoming barriers in this area.

Applicants from a refugee background are more likely to make the transition into company-based training if they receive support and assistance from mentors in the course of their search for a training position. These are the findings of a survey conducted by BIBB and Federal Employment Agency (BA).

Because VET systems in other countries are predominantly school based, one particular question that arises abroad is which instruments and pathways secure training quality within the German dual system. A BIBB brochure, which is available in English, provides transparency and a structured overview.

“The long-standing exchange with the South Korean partner institute KRIVET is a good example of successful international collaboration beyond European borders”, emphasized BIBB Research Director Ertl on the occasion of the signing of a new cooperation agreement.

In 2017, over a third of all new training contracts were once more concluded in just ten occupations. The results indicate a highly significant gender dominance in many occupations. Information technology specialist is a new entry at number nine in the list.

The 8th VET Congress staged by BIBB on 7 and 8 June takes place in Berlin under the motto "Learning for the future. VET of tomorrow – experience innovations". Online Registration is available with immediate effect, the early bird price offer ends on 21 April.

Wash basins, dental implants, and catalyst parts: Procedures such as laser analysis or thermal shock tests are used for testing ceramic products. The new training regulation for the occupation of "ceramics testing technologist" enters into force on 1 August and will replace the "materials tester".

The world of work of the future will require greater importance to be attached to continuing training. "Continuing training has long ceased being an option. It is now a must“, BIBB President Esser was writing in the latest issue of BIBB’s specialist journal BWP.

Comprehensive information on current issues relating to VET will be presented by BIBB at the “didacta” trade fair, held in Hanover from 20 to 24 February 2018. Visit us in Hall 13, Stand F112. We look Forward to an exchange of views with you.

The BIBB will be rigorously adhering to the “Open Access Model”. This means that, from 2018 onwards, all BIBB publications will be made available on the institute’s website for download free of charge in citation-friendly PDF format (“gold open access”).

This is the first new commercial training occupation to be launched for ten years. The central content of the training for the booming online trade is the use and operation of websites and distribution channels. The new training occupation will be introduced on 1 August.

In 2017, training allowances based on collective wage agreements rose across Germany by an average of 2.6%. Average trainee remuneration across Germany for 2017 was €876 gross per month. The recent BIBB analysis shows that this rise was significantly weaker than in previous years.

More training places offered, more young people seeking dual VET, more training contracts – but also more unfilled training places: These are the key findings of the BIBB analyses of training market development in 2017, visualized in interactive regional maps for the first time.

With the new information film “Dual vocational training in Germany” which is available in 11 languages, BIBB broadens its range of videos available on YouTube. In 2017 the BIBB added more than 30 new videos on vocational education and training.

Advanced vocational training qualifications will now also be clearly and easily understood across Europe. Europass certificate supplements are also available for advanced training occupations und thus support cross-border learning and working.

Digitalisation demands appropriate qualifications and continuing vocational education and training of teaching staff, stressed BIBB President Esser at a symposium on „VET 4.0“ in Leipzig. BIBB will therefore support a nationwide qualification initiative.

There will be a marked difference in the development of regional labour markets in Germany up to 2035. The reasons for this are different economic priorities in the regions and demographic changes. Current analyses by BIBB and IAB show this.

Improving the integration of refugees in Germany in future by means of vocational education and training will be critically dependent on providing individually-tailored training programmes of the right quality and in the right amounts. These are some of the key findings from a new analysis by BIBB.

A company survey conducted by BIBB and the Social Science Research Centre Berlin shows what requirements companies make of applicants who hold an intermediate secondary school leaving certificate.

The latest evaluation of the BIBB database „TrainingPlus“ shows: For the first time more than 100,000 students undertake a dual course of study. A constant growth in programme provision and companies offering training places has also been recorded.

Since 1 September 2017, Prof. Dr. Hubert Ertl has been Deputy President and Head of Research of the BIBB. He regards the stronger strategic focus of research in the BIBB and its international networking as a particular challenge.

The BIBB/BA Applicant Survey shows what young people want from their future training company: the wishes are rather conservative - and can also be fulfilled by SMEs. Most importantly, a good working atmosphere and high chances of permanent employment.

Vocational schools face challenges such as demographic change, digitalisation, and the trend towards higher school leaving qualifications. BIBB investigated the current situation of the learning venue and of the various approaches adopted in the federal states in a national comparison.

The energy turnaround for an environmentally sustainable future needs specialists for energy distribution, markets and network Management. The new advanced training regulation leading to the qualification of „certified senior clerk in the energy sector“ will enter into force on 1 October 2017.

Both policy makers and trade and industry need to adopt measures to strengthen the status of vocational education and training in Germany. BIBB President Esser emphasised this on the occasion of the start of the new training year, which officially begins on 1 August.

Ranging from “automobile business administrator” to “sales assistant for retail services” – The new year of training starts officially on 1 August with 12 updated dual training occupations.

The new regulation of the traditional occupation "piano and harpsichord maker" enters into force on 1 August: Manual instrument making, repair, calculating costs and – a greater – emphasis on entrepreneurial thinking and behaviour are part of the new training regulation.

Whether it's in day-to-day life, as a tool or in the world of art: There are about 1000 different types of brooms and brushes, from huge brooms to the finest artists' brushes. The new training regulation for the "broom and brush maker" was updated and will enter into force on 1 August.

Everybody knows it from school: The model of a human skeleton. Biological model makers produce anatomical, botanical and zoological teaching and demonstration models. Training for this occupation was now updated. The new regulation will enter into force on 1 August.

Computer-aided translation or virtual databases – such aspects are exerting an impact on the demands made of translators today. The new advanced training regulations for the qualification of certified translator takes full account of these developments.

Contents of the previous training occupation of miller have been further developed in an updated training regulation which adds the area of storage and introduces the new occupational title of process technologist for the milling and grain production industry and enters into force on 1 August 2017.

During the period from 2004 to 2016, young migrants were significantly less successful in securing a training place than young people not from a migrant background. Last year, progression rates fell back to the very low level experienced in 2004.

The two commercial training occupations in air transport – “Air traffic management assistants” and “Service employees in air traffic” – are taking off again. They now form an occupational group. Key importance will be attached in future to knowledge of English and security aspects.

Despite numerous measures to increase the number of women training in technical occupations, the proportion has not in-creased in more than 20 years. However, “typically female” technical occupations definitely exist, even if it is just a few.

The prevailing economic mood in the continuing education and training sector peaked at its highest point to date in 2016. The results of the "wbmonitor" survey by BIBB and DIE show that organisations providing qualifications for refugees saw improvements in terms of "economic mood".

Digitalisation, networking and electromobility are accelerating the already high rate of development and innovation in the automotive sector. This is also impacting on commercial areas. The training regulation for automobile business administrators was therefore brought up to date.

The increase in the transition phase between school and training is mainly due to programmes supporting German language learning for young refugees and immigrants. The BIBB Data Report again provides a range of facts and figures on all areas of initial and continuing vocational education and training.

The new issue of the BIBB specialist journal “Vocational Training in Research and Practice – BWP” documents the initial results and findings on the spread of digital technology in VET. In his editorial BIBB President Esser speaks out in favour of „balanced vocational education and training“.

The ten most strongly represented occupations remain unchanged from 2016 at the top of the ranking of newly concluded dual education and training contracts. While information technology specialist has climbed significantly, the number of new contracts for bank clerks went down.

The right footwear exists for every requirement – from high heels to fire fighters' boots. The footwear maker and finisher is an industrial occupation in shoe production. The updated training regulation will replace the existing regulation as of 1 August 2017.

For the first time, the BIBB study "Using and producing media - development of media competency in vocational education and trainingng" provides a comprehensive cross-sectional analysis of the importance of media competency across occupational and sector boundaries and also devises a classification.

A nationwide shortage in nursing and healthcare professions could occur in the near future. In 2035 labour demand would outstrip supply by around 270,000 persons. A BIBB analysis based on projections also turns its attention to possible compensatory measures.

Comprehensive information, workshops and discussions with experts, adventure course "try five“ for young people – the BIBB a wide range of Information on current topics relating to VET at the "didacta“ education fair to be held in Stuttgart from 14 to 18 February.

Training allowances based on collective wage agreements rose significantly once again in 2016 – an increase of 3.2 % in the West and 4.9 % in the East. According to a BIBB evaluation the average training allowance for the whole of the Federal Republic of Germany in 2016 was €854 per month.

Compared to the previous year training place supply remained stable in 2016. The number of training contracts concluded with young men rose while the number of contracts with young women declined. These are the results of the BIBB analyses conducted into the development of the training market in 2016.

The first main interim results to emerge from the research project “Polarisation of activities in Economy 4.0 – skilled worker qualifications and skilled worker requirements in the digitalised work of tomorrow” have been presented.

The digital transformation of the world of work will also bring about increasing change in learning media and in company teaching and learning processes in initial and continuing vocational education and training.

For the first time, interest in entering training is higher amongst those in possession of a higher education entrance qualification than amongst those with a lower secondary school leaving qualification

Despite a medium-term growth in the population, shortages of skilled workers can't be prevented in the long-term. According to recent studies by BIBB and IAB in the highly qualified area, the labour supply is exhibiting a stronger long-term increase than the relevant labour demand.

It is the aim of the eight pilot Projects that run until 2019 to investigate the effects of digital transformation on occupational profiles and to to create a joint learning and teaching platform for inter-company training.

Small and medium-sized enterprises are receptive to the education and training of refugees and aware of the particular relevance of vocational education and training for the integration of refugees in society. This is the result of a recent BIBB survey of companies.

Printing plates for a banknote, stamps, signs or jewlery: The work done by engravers is omnipresent. The updated training regulation takes into account new technologies and pays greater attention to the customer relationship. The training regulation comes into force on 1 August 2016.

The new year of training begins officially on the 1 August with nine updated dual training occupations from “plant mechanic for plumbing heating and air conditioning systems” to “roller shutters and sun protection mechatronics technician”.

The updating of the three-year training for event engineering specialist addresses the diverse innovations, for example in presentation, image and recording technology. The training regulation comes into force on 1 August 2016.

The evaluation of the training occupations protection and safety service staff and specialist illustrates an overall high level of satisfaction with the two job descriptions. However, they are also characterized by low success rates in the examinations and a high level of contract termination.

New working techniques, changes from „protective roofs to useful roofs“ and changes in the sector provide the background for updating the roofer training regulation. The new regulation comes into effect on 1 August.

Digitalisation and sustainability gain more importance in the field of sanitary, heating and air conditioning engineering and increase demand for regulation. The new training regulation for the occupation of plant mechanic for sanitary, heating and air conditioning systems enters into force on 1 August.

The 2015 BIBB Annual Report informs about substantial data, analyses and programmes from BIBB in the last year - an important foundation because: "vocational education and training must be further developed and structured in a future-oriented way" stresses BIBB President Esser.

Spinning, cutting and chasing all constitute training contents for decorative metal workers. The modernised training regulations offer specialisms in crafting small metal items, metal spinning and metal chasing. The updated training regulations enter into force on 1 August 2016.

The pilot projects funded by the BIBB to develop sustainability in vocational education and training focus on commercial occupations und learning locations. The programme will be presented to the public for the first time during “Environment Week” by the Federal President.

Around one in five people in Germany suffer from hearing impairment. The modernized training regulation for hearing care professionals is very demanding in terms of specialist knowledge, technical requirements and service orientation. The updated training regulation is effective as of 1 August.

Wide-ranging information on topics relating to training and careers is both helpful and necessary for refugees, even before they gain a knowledge of German. For this reason, the BIBB is offering information in Arabic on vocational education and training in Germany – online and via an app.

The Data Report includes comprehensive information and analyses on the development of initial and continuing vocational education and training in Germany. It supplements the annual Federal Government Report on Vocational Education and Training.

More female bakers and female painters and varnishers. In around 80 of 105 “male occupations” investigated by the BIBB, the proportion of female trainees has risen over the past years. A BIBB analysis conducted on the occasion of the 2016 “Girls’ and Boys’ Day” Shows an unmistakable trend.

BIBB has now launched an online survey in order to ensure the broadest possible participation in the process of updating the dual IT occupations. The survey is primarily directed at companies which provide training in these occupations and closes on 25 May.

Companies are open towards providing training to higher education dropouts. However, the vast majority of firms is against the concept of special training regulations and models for such persons. These are the results of a BIBB company survey presented in issue 2/2016 of the BIBB-Report.

Three out of four VET experts would like greater recognition of individual learning outcomes acquired outside schools, training and universities. 70 % of experts participating in the BIBB Expert Monitor survey were in favour of a uniform and nationwide recognition system in Germany.

According to a study, there are around 7.5 million functional illiterates living in Germany. In order to support the "Decade for Literacy" announced by the Federal Government and Länder, the BIBB has established a coordination office.

The results of the research project Show: Many school leavers already have the technical competencies needed for working with different media. This content must be learned during education and training and should be given special status in the education and training regulations.

The new advanced vocational education and training qualification “Certified commercial business administrator under the Crafts and Trades Regulation Code (HwO)” integrates consistently within the advanced education and training concept for the skilled crafts. It enters into foce on 1 April.

Traditional occupation up-to-date: The education and training initially delivers overarching content and then focusses on one of the two specialisms, “Aquaculture and inland fishing” or “Inshore and small-scale deep sea fishing”. The new training regulation enters into force on 1 August 2016.

The updated advanced training qualification of “certified management accountant” went into force. Demand for the qualification is high: 2,900 examinations were recorded in 2014. The opportunity to gain the additional qualification of “international management accountancy" is one new element.

The aim of the German-English Glossary of Vocational Education and Training Terminology is to assist VET experts with the understanding and translation of specialist texts and thus facilitate communication at an international level, an aspect of work that is becoming increasingly important.

A master plan outlining an agreed approach is required in order to manage the complexity associated with the education, training and qualification of refugees. This is underlined by BIBB President Esser in new BWP edition entitled "Migration and Refugees".

Applications may be submitted with immediate effect to the BIBB as part of the new funding programme "Digitalisation in inter-company vocational training centres (ÜBS) and competence centres” which has been launched by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF).

Around a third of students doubt that they will successfully complete higher education. According to a survey conducted by the BIBB and the University of Maastricht, about 30% believe that training in the dual system is an attractive alternative.

The BIBB will be presenting information on current topics in VET and on ongoing research at the “didacta” fair in Cologne from 16 to 20 February 2016. On Saturday the neighbouring “Vocational Training Forum" offers the interactive adventure trail "Try five!"

Young people are aware that occupations have an influence on future earnings potential and career prospects. With two related occupations to choose from, it is often these aspects which tip the balance. These are the results of a BIBB research project.

In 2015, training allowances based on collective wage agreements rose significantly for the fourth year in succession. The average gross amount earned by trainees in Germany was 826 € per month (+ 3.9 %). In West Germany earnings rose to 832 € (+ 3.7 %), in the East to 769 € (+ 4.3 %).

More training places of offer, steady demand, an unchanged number of training contracts conluded and once again an increase in the number of training places that remained unfilled - these are the results of the BIBB analysis on training market developments in 2015.

In a survey by the BIBB qualification panel companies explain why they have reduced their participation in dual vocational education and training between 2011 and 2014. Specific patterns can be observed. The results show the importance of providing support for companies with education and training.

A BIBB analysis of success in the search for an apprenticeship position shows: work placements and personal contact are the most succesful means. One in four young people found a training position via a work placement in 2014. There are differences according to school leaving qualification.

Germany is well positioned in terms of numbers of IT-based core occupations and will also be able to meet the rising demand for highly-skilled workforce as a result of switching production processes over to Industry 4.0.

The interest from abroad in Germany's dual system of vocational education and training remains high - also in the area of research. The BIBB is therefore offering research stays for guest academics. Two fellows want to take away models for action for developing dual elements in their VET system.

Between 2007 and 2013, the number of training businesses fell by 52,000.An important reason behind this trend is the marked increase in unfilled training places. A special analysis by the BIBB-qualification panel looks at the backgrounds.

The transformation process of vocational education and training since reunification is the main focus of the October issue of the periodical "BWP". Analyses and first-hand accounts recall the developments, help to reflect them from today's perspective and provide impulses for further development.

In providing current information on general legal conditions, concepts, analyses and existing examples of good practice, BIBB is supporting VET stakeholders in questions concerning the urgent topic of training and labour market integration of refugees.

The first GOVET Annual Report presents a positive Picture. “The numerous enquiries processed by GOVET show that the decision to establish a central body for international VET cooperation at BIBB was both important and correct,” said Professor Esser.

Over 100 stakeholders from all areas of vocational education and training accepted the joint invitation from the BIBB as well as the Chamber of Craft Trades for Halle and the University of Magdeburg. Main topics: Heterogeneity as a chance and projects to secure skilled workers.

From “apparel sewer” to “works fireman or woman” - the new year of training starts officially on 1 August with 17 updated dual training occupations. Once again this year more than half a million young people will start their new professional life with their training contract in their pocket.

A cooperation agreement has now been concluded between the BIBB and the FernUniversität in Hagen. The particular focus of future collaboration will be on themes of “academisation of vocational education and training” and “qualification of training personnel”.

Vocational education and training must prove its worth on a number of fronts in changing underlying conditions. The 2004 annual report of the Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training gives information about analyses, data and suggestions regarding the development of the dual system.

BIBB is investigating a modernisation of the four dual IT occupations of information technology specialist, information technology and telecommunications system electronics technician, information and telecommunications system support specialist and information technology officer.

“In vocational education and training, diversity is of crucial significance in terms of securing the supply of skilled workers,” stressed BIBB President Esser on the occasion of the German Diversity Day on 9 June.

More than half of the working population in the age group of 18 to 24 years who hold dual system vocational training qualifications work in their original field of training. The number of young people to fully change careers increases with the time that has passed since graduation.

Matching supply and demand is an increasing problem in the training market. A more targeted appeal to those possibly interested in an apprenticeship and special applicant groups is necessary to reduce the emerging skilled labour shortage.

"The digitalisation of the world of work is the key challenge for general and vocational education". This was the declaration from BIBB President Prof. Dr. Friedrich Hubert Esser during a conference in Hanover.

There will be skilled labour shortages in all regions of Germany by the year 2030 in the technical occupations. This is shown for the first time by the regional results of the joint qualification and occupational field projections compiled by BIBB and IAB.

The German dual system of vocational education and training continues to attract great interest abroad. The website of GOVET – German Office for International Cooperation in Vocational Education and Training has been accessed from 106 countries during the first quarter of 2015 alone.

Educational games are a bestseller in the field of vocational education and training. The updated and extended publication helps simulating and practising real life scenarios of subsequent everyday working life during the VET phase.

Vocational education and training plays a decisive role on the path to sustainable development. More than 150 stakeholders from all fields of vocational education and training discussed „Prospects and Strategies 2015+“.

A dramatic skilled labour shortage threatens to affect the electrical engineering and supply occupations. According to a special evaluation by the BIBB, some 760,000 gainfully employed people will be lacking by the year 2030 in these two occupational fields alone.

Businesses invest in great measure in training their young talent and future skilled labour supply. According to a BIBB survey, this investment pays off especially when the apprentices are offered a permanent contract after their apprenticeship.

Not only is the demand for dual degree courses unbroken, but also the range of courses on offer is increasingly diversified. The BIBB database „AusbildungPlus“ by now has registered 1,505 dual degree courses for first-time students with some 95,000 enrolled students.

The occupation of office manager is the new frontrunner in the 2014 ranking of vocational training occupations when it comes to new apprenticeship contracts. More than 29,100 young people nationwide had signed a new apprenticeship contract for this occupation by the cut-off date of 30 September.

The average training allowance based on collective wage agreements for the whole of the Federal Republic of Germany in 2014 was €795 per month, an increase of 4.5 % compared to the previous year.

In 2015 the BIBB will be placing greater emphasis on studying the changes in skill requirements associated with the design of so-called "smart factories".

Young people from a migrant background are more likely to progress to permanent employment with the company providing training. However, the greatest difficulty facing young migrants remains the task of finding a training place at all at the end of their schooling.

Whilst the trend towards higher education continues unabated as some 500,000 students commenced such a course of study, the number of newly concluded training contracts fell once more in 2014.

Although young women perform better at school and achieve higher school leaving qualifications, the search for a company-based training place is harder for them than it is for young men.

BIBB President Esser and Joel Villanueva, the Philippine Director General of the Technical Skills Education and Development Authority (TESDA) signed a new cooperation agreement.

Over the two days of the event under the motto of “Structuring vocational education and training in a more attractive way – facilitating greater permeability”, more than 800 participants from 35 countries debated the future shaping of the educational and vocational education and training System.

On the occasion of the BIBB Congress in Berlin, the President of the Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training (BIBB), Friedrich Hubert Esser, took the opportunity to present the new BIBB website to more than 800 participants attending the event from home and abroad.

The attractiveness of vocational education and training needs to be maintained and strengthened against the background of an impending shortage of skilled workers in an ageing society, increasing academisation of educational pathways and growing matching problems in trainee recruitment.

According to the results of a company survey conducted by the Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training (BIBB), small and medium-sized enterprises (SME’s) are displaying considerable interest in the topic of “training mobility”.

Increasing permeability between educational areas is currently the leading issue in educational policy debate in Germany. The President of BIBB, Friedrich Hubert Esser, believes that improved permeability across the educational system as a whole is an important lever for structuring vocational training in an even more attractive way in future.

The main thematic focuses addressed by BIBB over the past year have been strengthening dual training, securing access to recognised vocational education and training for everyone, the permeability of vocational and academic education, international VET cooperation and the expansion of continuing training.

Nine newly modernised training occupations ranging from “specialist in ice cream making” to “cycle mechatronics technician” will be on offer when the new training year starts on 1 August, a day on which several hundred thousand young people will embark upon their new working life.

The results of an analysis conducted by the BIBB and entitled “Occupational success? A comparison of dual and school-based training courses show that prior school learning and the employment opportunities associated with the respective training occupation exert more of a central significance on occupational success rather than the different training systems as such.