Vocational education and training

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.

Chambers, employers’ associations and other intermediary institutions make an indispensable contribution to ensuring and promoting the quality of company-based training through various measures. A DEQA-VET-project is now attempting to investigate quality initiatives at the intermediate level.

Training staff make a valuable contribution to the training and socialisation of the future’s skilled workers. This issue of BWP focuses on the acquisition and training of vocational training staff and on which old and new requirements need to be managed along the way.

BWP shows solidarity with Ukraine and adapts its cover for this issue. In terms of content it investigates the question as to the ways in which greater flexibility is useful or even necessary for an effective and modern VET system without, however, jettisoning fundamental principles.

How can sustainability – as to its social, economic and ecological dimensions – be enshrined structurally within the education system, and how can it be made an active and integral part of practice? The issue of BWP sheds light on the key role of VET with regard to implementing the 2030 Agenda aims.

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.

The coronavirus pandemic is creating major challenges for VET. The crisis has shed a clearer light on existing problem situations, and the pressure to seek solutions has generated considerable momentum too. How much of this momentum will be retained and go on to leave a lasting mark on VET?

The articles included in this issue discuss the interplay between core competencies and occupation-specific professional knowledge and skills and illustrate how core competencies can be fostered in company-based initial and continuing training.

The German economy suffers from a lack of skilled workers in the labour market. Two of the most important options to cover the skill demand of firms are apprenticeship training and the recruitment of already trained workers from the external labour market. The study examines both options.

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.

This issue of BWP looks at how the examination system can keep pace with the shift that is taking place in vocational education and training and at the challenges that need to be overcome in this regard.

The BIBB hosts its second conference on the economics of vocational education and training on November 7th and 8th 2019 in Siegburg. The conference will bring together researchers from all related fields to discuss the most recent empirical and theoretical results on this subject.

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.

What role do values-based and socially responsible behaviour play in business and the world of work? How can values be integrated into vocational education and training?

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.