The Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training (BIBB) presented findings from German TVET practice and BIBB research during a high-level conference hosted by Malaysia in the context of the ASEAN Year of Skills 2025. Over 500 participants from more than 50 countries exchanged views.
Silver anniversary in international VET cooperation
20 years of the Global HR Forum, 25 years of cooperation between the BIBB and the Korean Research Institute for Vocational Education and Training (KRIVET). The growing influence of AI in VET systems worldwide formed the backdrop to this year's Global HR Forum in South Korea.
An expert discussion was held in November to discuss the transformative potential of micro credentials in VET. Participants from Armenia, Ukraine, the Western Balkans, Sweden, Croatia and Germany discussed the expected benefits, implementation challenges and strategic approaches.
VET institutions from around 15 countries met in Rio de Janeiro for the Alliance for dual VET in Latin America and the Caribbean conference, hosted by the Brazilian VET service SENAC. The conference provided a platform for voices from practice, employers, and science.
Should I stay or should I go? Migration conference Uzbekistan
The further development of vocational education and training (VET) in Uzbekistan and options for skilled labour migration to Germany were key topics discussed during this closing project conference organized by GIZ. Birgit Thomann (BIBB) was invited to give the keynote speech of this conference.
From 28 to 30 October, UNESCO-UNEVOC, ILO, ETF and OECD will present their contributions to the ‘Towards a Global TVET Agenda’ Initiative. BIBB is working with multilateral partners on behalf of the BMBFSFJ. Follow the launch via livestream!
From 22 October, VET institutions from numerous Latin American countries will gather in Rio de Janeiro. They will exchange views on current challenges in the implementation of dual training programmes. BIBB is organising the conference together with its local partners.
International providers presented their innovative vocational training projects at a BIBB roadshow in the Philippine capital Manila. Among other things, visitors were able to experience AI-supported role-playing games, virtual shipping training and the repair of electric cars using a digital twin.
Targeted strategic cooperation with multilateral organizations and regional partners worldwide will strengthen Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET). What exactly is behind the "Towards a Global TVET Agenda" Initiative?
BIBB International Roadshow Digital Media in TVET 2025 in Manila
For the fourth time now, innovative projects will be presenting their digital TVET solutions as part of the International Roadshow. The event will be held on October 9, 2025, in cooperation with the Philippine partner institute TESDA.
In March this year the European Commission published its “Union of Skills” strategy. The main content focuses include the role of initial and continuing VET with regard to the development of sustainable competitiveness and for the purpose of securing availability of skilled workers.
BIBB and its Brazilian partner SENAI promote projects for digital innovation in VET. The winning start-ups were selected in an international call from a total of 18 projects from Latin America, North America, Africa and Europe.
The Heimerer Group implements a German-Kosovar project in Pristina: nursing training to German standards at bachelor's degree level. This model can be transferred to other countries and will contribute to Germany's efforts to attract skilled workers.
What opportunities do digital report books offer for quality assurance in vocational training? Answers to these and other questions can be found in the summary paper on the DEQA-VET exchange workshop. The event, which took place on March 27, was organized by DEQA-VET in cooperation with Leando.
Dual curricula in international comparison – BIBB in dialogue with Mexico and Peru
How can dual curricula be designed in such a way that they meet national quality standards, remain flexible at regional level and meet the requirements of the labour market? This question was the focus of the third video conference of the Alliance for dual VET in Latin America and the Caribbean.
Saddlers manufacture craft trades products such as hoods for vintage convertibles, made-to-measure riding saddles and elegant luggage items. This profile describes the three specialisms of vehicle upholstery, riding saddlery and luxury bags and presents figures relating to training.
The most frequently asked questions regarding the German VET System, the recognition of qualifications or on how to start a career in Germany will be answered here.
The glossary is a source for terms and definitions which are used in the field of vocational education and training. Emphasis is placed on its usage in the context of the German dual system. The VET Glossary is a work in progress and updated and expanded on an ongoing basis.
The BIBB publishes its research and work results in different series. You will find all BIBB publications in the index of publications. A selection of publications is available in English.
VET on the move: Technical Terminology for Healthcare Professionals from India (Video on YouTube)
GOVET spoke with trainees and skilled workers about permeability in vocational education and training (Testimonial playlist on YouTube)
Statements on the COVID-19 pandemic - Theory-Interview with Prof. Frédéric Lebaron on Corona and Technology Assessment (Video on YouTube)
iMOVE Online Presentation: Bridging Courses for India (Video on YouTube)
Publications
Quality Assurance in Company-Based Practice – Planning and Structuring of In-company Training by Way of the Example of the Occupation of Office Manager
The present study looks at the instruments and procedures deployed by companies to ensure successful training in the occupation of office manager. The investigation facilitates an insight into the specific design and use of planning and structural tools in training practice. Alongside the mandatory elements of the company training plan and the report booklet, these include further voluntary evaluation and feedback measures. 238 telephone-based interviews with training management departments and 13 company case studies relating to the occupation of office manager were evaluated in the study. The three areas of training – the crafts, trade and industry and the public sector – were compared with one another.
Methods of competence assessment in vocational education and training (VET) in Germany - A systematic review
The present study provides a systematic overview of the methods of competence assessment in German vocational education and training (VET). To this end, 58 publications from the years 2001 to 2017 have been reviewed regarding the occupational areas for which assessment instruments were developed, types of competences that were assessed, the types of instruments used to assess the competences and the psychometric properties of these instruments. The results indicate that the instruments described in the reviewed publications particularly address commercial, industrial-technical and health occupations. The majority of the instruments deal with the identification of professional competences (66%), followed by basic (24%) and social/communicative competences (9%).
The Data Report of the Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training (BIBB) provides a comprehensive overview of the actual data on the German Vocational Education and Training system and is published yearly in German. This current English version of the Data Report presents a selection of the most relevant data and analyses of the 2019 Data Report. It contains extensive information and analyses relating to initial and continuing vocational education and training and covers international indicators and benchmarks. The special focus of this Data Report is “Vocational education and training 4.0 – skilled worker qualifications and competencies for the digitalised work of the future”.
Sustainability is one of the greatest social challenges in this day and age. Climate protection, fair working conditions and responsible neighbourhoods are becoming increasingly important issues for companies. A sustainable in-company learning environment helps employees to develop sustainability-related skills. These skills play a crucial role when it comes to acting in line with the guiding principle of sustainability. Companies are already doing a great deal to increase sustainability. However, there is still substantial potential to do more. This guideline describes four key areas for designing sustainable learning venues with a total of 13 areas of action. It provides practice-oriented suggestions for implementation in companies. The guideline thus not only brings fresh momentum for reporting, but also contributes to anchoring sustainable development more firmly into the structure of initial and continuing vocational education and training at companies.
Occupational Participation of Persons with Disabilities: Perceptions and Empirical Evidence
The quality of employment of employees with disabilities differs from that of employees without disabilities only for a few selected indicators. This is shown by analyses based on a follow-up survey of the BIBB/BAuA Employment Survey (ETB) 2018. The follow-up survey also includes a survey experiment on the perception of the situation of people with disabilities on the labour market. A significant proportion of respondents misperceive the gap in labour force participation between people with and without disabilities. Employed persons with disabilities assess the labour market integration of persons with disabilities to be worse when they are informed about the actual gap in labour market participation.
The most frequently asked questions regarding the German VET System, the recognition of qualifications or on how to start a career in Germany will be answered here.
