Project Management Agency for Innovation in Initial and Continuing VET
The Project Management Agency - Background
The Project Management Agency for Innovation in Initial and Continuing VET is attached to the Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training ("BIBB") and has overseen the technical and organizational implementation of the five pilot projects on behalf of the Federal Ministry of Education and Research since 1998.
Project management agencies are a fundamental part of the ministry's project funding system. These agencies are staffed by qualified experts from a wide range of scientific and technical fields and competent administrators who fulfil the following duties in particular:
- Handle administrative tasks and provide technical guidance for projects throughout all phases - from the initial idea to the exploitation of the project findings and
- Advise parties seeking funding, applicants, and grant recipients.
Project management agencies are therefore one of the most important points of contact in matters involving project funding provided by Germany's Federal Ministry of Education and Research. In addition, they also shoulder a large share of responsibility for ministry monies provided for project funding. As part of this responsibility, project management agencies must ensure that projects conducted under their charge meet high technical standards and comply with the project funding regulations.
Acting on behalf of the Federal Ministry of Education and Research, the Project Management Agency at BIBB oversees the technical and content-related implementation of pilot projects falling under the category "Use of globally available knowledge for initial and continuing vocational education and training and for innovation processes". This office is responsible for administering some DM 140 million (approximately € 70 million) in federal funding.
BIBB puts its capabilities to use to assist and support these five pilot projects - which consist of some 80 sub-projects - in the areas that constitute the focus of these projects' work and research. Being a centre of excellence for vocational education and training, VET research and VET funding, BIBB has the technical and managerial expertise to help ensure the success of these projects.
