Bundesinstitut für Berufsbildung (BIBB)

The development of the training market in 2011

23 December 2011

Improved training opportunities for young people, increasing recruitment problems for companies

The training market situation has improved for young people as compared to the same period in the previous year. This is the finding of market analyses based on data from the BIBB survey on newly concluded training contracts as of 09/30/2011 in conjunction with the Training Market Statistics from the Federal Employment Agency.

BIBB survey on newly concluded training contracts: Improved training opportunities for young people

Young people from a migrant background

22 December 2011

BIBB analysis of the progression opportunities of applicants differentiated according to region of origin

Despite the better current prevailing training market situation, the training place search for young people from families with a migrant background remains very difficult. One reason for this is that when they leave general schooling they are in possession of lower school qualifications compared to young people not from a migrant background. This narrows their prospects of finding a training place.

BIBB Report 16/11 Young people from a migrant background

BIBB Bibliography on "German as a Foreign Language"

21 December 2011

All-important in the world of work: good German language skills

Good German language skills are an indispensable prerequisite for successful integration. But which are the up-to-date teaching and learning resources that discuss the world of work and give learners particular practice in communicative situations for working life? To support German teachers working in this area and learners of German in Germany and abroad a new, user-oriented overview of work and career-related teaching and learning media for German as a foreign language has been published.

German as a Foreign Language

German Qualifications Framework

06 December 2011

© Daniel Ernst/Fotolia

BIBB Board calls upon the Conference of the Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs to rethink

The Board of the Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training (BIBB) has issued an Official Statement regarding a decision taken by the Conference of the Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs in the Federal Republic of Germany (KMK) at the end of November. In its Statement, the BIBB Board expresses the view that the Resolution adopted by the KMK with regard to the structuring of the German Qualifications Framework to align the upper secondary school leaving certificate/general higher education entrance qualification to Level 5, a higher reference level than many vocational education and training qualifications, is "not justified in terms of content and not clearly substantiated". Should the Resolution be retained in unaltered form, the BIBB Board - which is also referred to as the "Parliament of Vocational Education and Training" - fears that dual vocational education and training will suffer a loss of attractiveness and that negative consequences will occur for the securing of young skilled workers across all areas of trade and industry.
German Qualifications Framework: BIBB Board calls upon the Conference of the Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs to rethink

Pedagogical Competences in Vocational Training

06 December 2011

BWP 6/ 2011 now available

The paths that young people take from secondary school to initial vocational training and working life have become more diverse. As a result, the demands placed on the qualifications and pedagogical work of the skilled workers who conduct training have also grown. The articles in this issue of BWP examine the question of which skills and competences are needed in order to successfully supervise and support youths as they learn an occupation.
BWP 6/2011: Pedagogical Competences in Vocational Training

How training occupations are developed

06 December 2011

New brochure "Vocational Training Regulations and the Process Behind Them"

In order to provide today's young people with practically related training and with a good foundation for their future working lives, the contents of dual training occupations, which number approximately 350, need to be kept completely up-to-date at all times and aligned to the work processes and requirements within companies.
The latest and 5th edition of this publication provides information on the procedure for the development of training occupations, a process unique in the world. Training regulations form the basis for training in the dual system.

Download for free: How training occupations are developed

Integration Through Vocational Training conference

29 November 2011

BIBB/Aylin Kayali

"Advancing individuals with talent begins - and not only in the field of sport - with tapping existing potential! The reason for this is that not every talent is easily recognised or makes itself noticed without an external inducement.
If we could succeed in developing and expanding vocational orientation services and vocational training into talent factories throughout the country this would be good for our shared aim and would be particularly good for youths with an immigrant background," BIBB's president Professor Dr Friedrich Hubert Esser stated in his address given at the Integration Through Training conference held in Berlin on 29 November 2011.

Professor Dr Friedrich Hubert Esser: Ensure that youths have the fundamental knowledge and attitudes necessary for successful vocational training - Foster integration!

Certified senior clerk for healthcare and social services

28 November 2011

© Kzenon, Fotolia

New advanced training for a branch of the future

According to a projection by the Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training (BIBB) and the Institute for Employment Research (IAB), demographic developments will mean that 1 million extra employees are expected to be required in the healthcare and social services sector by the year 2025.
In order to react to this requirement in a timely manner, BIBB has acted on behalf of the Federal Government and in conjunction with the social partners to draw up the new advanced training regulations for "certified senior clerk for healthcare and social services".

New advanced training: Certified senior clerk for healthcare and social services

Assessing competence and progress

07 October 2011

BWP 5/2011 now available

In the wake of a greater orientation towards learning outcomes and the 'upgrading' of informally-acquired competences, the range of methods used to ascertain skills and performance in the vocational training field has become more diversified. How vocational competence can be ascertained and assessed using these methods and the chances these methods offer for opening up access within and to the education system and the employment system are the focus of the latest issue of BWP.

BWP 5-2011: Assessing competence and progress

VET Data Report Germany 2011

07 October 2011

Facts and Analyses accompanying the Federal Report on Vocational Education and Training

The Data Report accompanying the Government's 2011 Report on Vocational Education and Training presents the current situation in initial vocational training and in continuing vocational training as well as highlighting the main trends. The thematic focus this year is the permeability between Vocational Education and Training and Higher Education. This issue is also addressed in a chapter comparing the German situation to the situation in other European countries. 

VET Data Report Germany 2011
This English version gives a selection of the main findings.

Germany's President Wulff underscores the importance of vocational education and training and urges a "new culture of open doors"

26 September 2011

Opening of the 6th BIBB Vocational Education and Training Congress in Berlin

Speaking in Berlin at the opening of the 6th Vocational Education and Training Congress of the Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training (BIBB) on Monday, President Christian Wulff stated, "While other countries are struggling with - in some cases high - unemployment among their youth, the youth unemployment rate in Germany is low." This shows how valuable an intact vocational training system is for society, he noted. "I therefore want to thank all those who champion this good vocational training system in Germany day after day."

President Christian Wulff: Important role played by vocational education and training in Germany

Press conference at the 6th BIBB Vocational Education and Training Congress

21 September 2011

Press conference at the 6th BIBB Vocational Education and Training Congress

Speaking at a press conference at the opening of the 6th BIBB Vocational Education and Training Congress "Developing competences 0 Opening up opportunities" in Berlin, Germany's Federal Minister of Education and Research Schavan and BIBB President Esser reported a much improved situation on the training place market.
"For young people, the situation on the training place market is more favourable than it has been in a long time," said Schavan.

Schavan and Esser: Positive trend on the training market

Developing competences - Opening up opportunities

21 September 2011

6th BIBB Vocational Education and Training Congress 2011

19-20 September in Berlin

Make a contribution as a VET expert at the BIBB Congress being held in Berlin on 19-20 September under the banner "Developing competences - Opening up opportunities" .

Vocational Education and Training Congress: Program and further information

BIBB new co-editor of the "Internationales Handbuch der Berufsbildung"

13 September 2011

"Assuming the editorship is another important activity for raising our international profile," explained Professor Dr Reinhold Weiß, deputy president and head of research at BIBB. "By assuming this editorship, BIBB will help pool international vocational training expertise in Germany and develop it on a sustained basis."

BIBB new co-editor of the "Internationales Handbuch der Berufsbildung"

BIBB Research Data Centre receives a positive evaluation from experts

29 August 2011

The Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training has arranged for the free service provided by its Research Data Centre (BIBB-FDZ) to be evaluated by experts via an online survey.
The data, guides and Internet pages are made available for non-commercial external academic research purposes and are viewed positively by the sociologists, economists and educationalists surveyed.

BIBB Research Data Centre receives a positive evaluation

Sharp decline in the number of youths in the 'transition system'

09 August 2011

Train skilled workers for the future

The number of youths who are unable to find a training place is on the decline. This development has been welcomed by BIBB president Professor Dr Friedrich Hubert Esser, who also pointed out with an eye to the start of the new vocational training year that "when this number is to fall even further, trade and industry must make every effort in connection with the soon-to-start follow-up placement campaign to find trainees for the training places that are still vacant".

Training place market: Fewer youths in the transition system

Cross-border mobility

01 August 2011

BWP 4/2011 now available

Cross-border mobility is high on the European agenda. But how mobile are trainees and skilled workers in reality? The current issue of BWP examines the motives for learning or working abroad and conditions which make such stays abroad a success for everyone involved.

BWP 4/2011 Cross-border mobility

More news and leading articles

VET Data Report Germany 2011

Facts and Analyses accompanying the Federal Report on Vocational Education and Training

The Data Report accompanying the Government's 2011 Report on Vocational Education and Training presents the current situation in initial vocational training and in continuing vocational training as well as highlighting the main trends. The thematic focus this year is the permeability between Vocational Education and Training and Higher Education. This issue is also addressed in a chapter comparing the German situation to the situation in other European countries. 

VET Data Report Germany 2011
This English version gives a selection of the main findings.

Read more VET Data Report Germany 2011

Germany's President Wulff underscores the importance of vocational education and training and urges a "new culture of open doors"

Opening of the 6th BIBB Vocational Education and Training Congress in Berlin

Speaking in Berlin at the opening of the 6th Vocational Education and Training Congress of the Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training (BIBB) on Monday, President Christian Wulff stated, "While other countries are struggling with - in some cases high - unemployment among their youth, the youth unemployment rate in Germany is low." This shows how valuable an intact vocational training system is for society, he noted. "I therefore want to thank all those who champion this good vocational training system in Germany day after day."

President Christian Wulff: Important role played by vocational education and training in Germany

Press conference at the 6th BIBB Vocational Education and Training Congress

Schavan and Esser see positive trend on the training place market

Speaking at a press conference at the opening of the 6th BIBB Vocational Education and Training Congress "Developing competences 0 Opening up opportunities" in Berlin, Germany's Federal Minister of Education and Research Schavan and BIBB President Esser reported a much improved situation on the training place market.
"For young people, the situation on the training place market is more favourable than it has been in a long time," said Schavan.

Schavan and Esser: Positive trend on the training market

Developing competences - Opening up opportunities

6th BIBB Vocational Education and Training Congress 2011

19-20 September in Berlin

Make a contribution as a VET expert at the BIBB Congress being held in Berlin on 19-20 September under the banner "Developing competences - Opening up opportunities" .

Vocational Education and Training Congress: Program and further information

BIBB new co-editor of the "Internationales Handbuch der Berufsbildung"

"Assuming the editorship is another important activity for raising our international profile," explained Professor Dr Reinhold Weiß, deputy president and head of research at BIBB. "By assuming this editorship, BIBB will help pool international vocational training expertise in Germany and develop it on a sustained basis."

BIBB new co-editor of the "Internationales Handbuch der Berufsbildung"

BIBB Research Data Centre receives a positive evaluation from experts

The Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training has arranged for the free service provided by its Research Data Centre (BIBB-FDZ) to be evaluated by experts via an online survey.
The data, guides and Internet pages are made available for non-commercial external academic research purposes and are viewed positively by the sociologists, economists and educationalists surveyed.

BIBB Research Data Centre receives a positive evaluation

Sharp decline in the number of youths in the 'transition system'

Train skilled workers for the future

The number of youths who are unable to find a training place is on the decline. This development has been welcomed by BIBB president Professor Dr Friedrich Hubert Esser, who also pointed out with an eye to the start of the new vocational training year that "when this number is to fall even further, trade and industry must make every effort in connection with the soon-to-start follow-up placement campaign to find trainees for the training places that are still vacant".

Training place market: Fewer youths in the transition system

Cross-border mobility

BWP 4/2011 now available

Cross-border mobility is high on the European agenda. But how mobile are trainees and skilled workers in reality? The current issue of BWP examines the motives for learning or working abroad and conditions which make such stays abroad a success for everyone involved.

BWP 4/2011 Cross-border mobility

An occupation with a good outlook

Training for the occupation Optician has been modernised

Opticians must advise their customers on an individualised basis that takes the customer's style into account and must work with increasingly modern high-tech equipment. The Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training (BIBB) has completely revised and modernised the three-year training for the occupation Optician. The modernised training regulations for this occupation go into effect on 1 August.

Modernised training occupation: Optician

High ranking VET experts of the Republic of Moldova welcomed at BIBB

The minister of education of the Republic of Moldova, Mihail Sleahtitchi, was welcomed at BIBB by Birgit Thomann, head of Department 1 - Cross Sectional Tasks / Communication / International Vocational Education and Training - of the Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training (BIBB), on 21 June 2011. Minister Sleahtitchi was visiting Germany with a delegation of VET experts at the invitation of the Koblenz Chamber of Skilled Crafts and Small Businesses. Other members of the delegation included the chairman of the Parliamentary Committee for Education and Science of the Republic of Moldova, Chiril Lucinschi, the president of the Chamber of Industry and Commerce of the Republic of Moldova, Gheorghe Cucu, and the vice-president of the Chamber of Industry and Commerce of the Republic of Moldova, Vladimir Didilica. BIBB experts briefed the guests on the fundamentals of the German 'dual' vocational training system (which combines part-time schooling with practical work experience) and BIBB's role within the system, and on its regulatory work and the examination system.

President Esser: "BIBB is making a sizable contribution to the reform of India's vocational education and training system"

The Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training (BIBB) is an important partner for the Indian government in its efforts to reform its vocational education and training system.

Following his return from India, BIBB's President Professor Dr Friedrich Hubert Esser, who was part of the delegation headed by Germany's Chancellor Angela Merkel at the recent German-Indian government consultations, "As a rising economic power, India has set itself the goal of providing vocational training for some 500 million people by the year 2022. The Indian government is counting on German assistance and particularly on BIBB's expertise to help it master this enormous task. The German dual vocational training system with its unique combination of theory and practice is very attractive for India. Through its advisory services BIBB can make a sizable contribution to the progressive development of India's vocational education and training system."

Read more President Esser: "BIBB is making a sizable contribution to the reform of India's vocational education and training system"

"Shortage of skilled labour? - Ensuring a skilled workforce!"

BWP 3/2011 now available

"Securing a skilled workforce is the core mission of vocational education and training," BIBB's President PROFESSOR DR FRIEDRICH HUBERT ESSER points out in his editorial for the current issue of the BIBB journal "Berufsbildung in Wissenschaft und Praxis - BWP" (Vocational Training in Research and Practice). In his comments, he outlines four tasks for the education policy agenda that must be tackled to ensure that measures and initiatives are coordinated with one another more effectively in future and transitions are optimised.

For its special focus "Shortage of skilled labour? - Ensuring a skilled workforce!", issue 3/2011 presents analyses and forecasts regarding training and skilled labour requirements at national and international level. The articles in this issue also point out how an imminent shortage of skilled labour could be countered via needs-oriented in-company training for skilled workers.

Read more "Shortage of skilled labour? - Ensuring a skilled workforce!"

16 new occupations to be launched

BIBB marks Training Place Day

The Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training (BIBB) helps ensure that Germany has a modern vocational training scene by revising training occupations (regulated occupations that require completion of formal vocational training). This is one of BIBB's 'trademarks'. It has revamped and updated 15 occupations and created one new occupation. All of them, including the occupations Optician, Bookbinder and "Medientechnolge/-in Siebdruck" (media technologist for screen printing), are to take effect at the start of the new vocational training year on 1 August 2011.

Speaking on the occasion of Training Place Day which is being observed today, BIBB's president Professor Dr Friedrich Hubert Esser called upon enterprises and youths: "A successful transition from secondary school to vocational training is as important for youths as it is for trade, industry and society. It is therefore vital that we join together and tap into young people's strengths to ensure that no youth is left behind. Our motto must be 'make use of all potential'! I urge young people to inform themselves thoroughly about the many options our vocational training system has to offer."

Change at the helm at BIBB

Professor Dr Friedrich Hubert Esser is new president of the Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training

Professor Dr Friedrich Hubert Esser is the new president of the Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training (BIBB). Federal Minister of Education and Research Professor Dr Annette Schaven installed BIBB's new president in office during a ceremony in Bonn which was attended by more than 300 invited guests. Before installing Professor Esser in office, Minister Schavan spoke words of recognition for BIBB's long-time former president, Manfred Kremer, upon his retirement.

Read more Change at the helm at BIBB

All quiet on the eastern front?

20 years after the fall of the Berlin Wall, vocational training is facing enormous challenges

The situation on the training place market is presently better in Germany's eastern states than it is in the country's western states, whereby it is impossible to say at this time what effects the current financial and economic crisis will have in the future. This difference between the eastern and western sections of the country is primarily due to the massive decline in the number of school leavers and the sizable amounts of government funding made available to the eastern states.

Read more All quiet on the eastern front?

Areas of potential for innovation in European vocational training

BWP 6/2009 now available

Cedefop Director Aviana Bulgarelli has given an interview to the current issue of BWP in which she makes a plea for "a more relaxed approach towards innovations" in European vocational education and training. The papers included investigate the question of where vocational education and training stands with regard to achieving the Lisbon objectives and which innovative approaches requiring sustainable support have emerged at a European level.

Read more Areas of potential for innovation in European vocational training

An improvement in the individuals chances of undergoing vocational training or a pointless holding pattern?

The importance and effectiveness of training programmes for the transition from general schooling to vocational training

The German vocational training system has seen the difficulties involved in making the transition from general schooling to vocational training increase dramatically in the last 15 years. There has been little information to date about how large the share of youths is who attend one or more such transition measures before they start vocational training that leads to full vocational qualification. How many youths use these programmes to earn a school leaving certificate or a higher-level certificate than the one they already hold? Where do these youths land after completing a transition measure? Do they start vocational training that leads to full vocational qualification and how long does it take until they start this training? The following report examines these questions using data from the Transition Study conducted by the Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training (BIBB).

Read more An improvement in the individuals chances of undergoing vocational training or a pointless holding pattern?

The quality of vocational training

BWP 5/2009 now available

The latest issue of the journal "Berufsbildung in Wissenschaft und Praxis - BWP" (Vocational Training in Research and Practice) revolves around a subject that is highly topical at both national and European level. In addition to initial observations regarding the implementation of the European Reference Framework for quality assurance in initial and continuing vocational training in Germany, this issue of BWP features research findings on quality assurance and development in enterprises and educational institutions, including findings from two recent BIBB studies on the quality of in-company vocational training.

Read more The quality of vocational training

Unfilled training places - Why enterprises do not succeed in filling them

Findings from the BIBB Vocational Training Monitor survey

Respondents in company surveys generally cite a lack of the capacity to perform and insufficient educational qualifications among applicants as the primary reasons that training places remain vacant. The following analysis shows that some of the causes for unfilled training places are to be found among the firms offering them. The trainee placement process is a field of research that has not been sufficiently studied to date. This process exhibits a number of sizable deficits. They make it difficult for training place providers and training place seekers to come together. This is substantiated by the findings from the 2007 and 2008 Ausbildungsmonitor (Vocational Training Monitor) surveys conducted by the Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training (BIBB).

Read more Unfilled training places - Why enterprises do not succeed in filling them

New look for the AusbildungPlus portal

More straightforward, informative, user-friendly and accessible for people with disabilities: These words describe in a nutshell the new look of one of Germany's most popular portals for vocational training programmes for additional qualifications and for dual courses of study. At the heart of the AusbildungPlus (TrainingPlus) portal is an extensive database with more than 41,000 vocational training programmes which are being offered by enterprises in Germany and through which nearly 130,000 trainees or students can currently earn qualification. The AusbildungPlus database presently contains information regarding more than 2,300 different models for earning additional qualification and more than 700 dual courses of study.

Read more AusbildungPlus

Many bright spots - but shadows too

The quality of dual vocational training from the trainees' point of view

Vocational schools and firms that provide in-house vocational training (training companies) have considerable freedom in how they organise and conduct 'dual' vocational training programmes. Germany's Vocational Training Act and training regulations for the respective occupations stipulate the parameters and content for the in-company part of vocational training that apply nation-wide and the states' school laws and curricula provide the foundation for the part of vocational training that is provided by vocational schools. However our knowledge about how training companies and vocational schools currently shape and organise their day-to-day training on this basis and how trainees rate the resultant quality of their training has been insufficient to date.

To learn more, the Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training (BIBB) surveyed some 6,000 trainees undergoing training for 15 occupations that can be learned in the "dual" vocational training system (which combines part-time vocational schooling with practical work experience).

Read more Many bright spots - but shadows too

Vocational guidance

BWP -Vocational Training in Research and Practice issue 4/2009

The articles in this issue of BWP examine the importance and function of guidance services in the context of lifelong learning. This will be done first of all with an eye to certain target groups / certain fields and secondly in light of the question "What potential can guidance services tap in order to create transparency in a very complex (continuing) training market?"

In his commentary in this issue of BWP, Professor Dr Reinhold Weiß, head of research at BIBB, draws attention to the heterogeneity of this field and argues for better linking of service offerings, improving and stabilizing structures and emphasizes the importance of systematic but differentiated training for skilled workers.

Read more Vocational guidance

Information and facts about vocational education and training 'at the click of a mouse'

People looking for current information, data and analyses regarding initial and continuing vocational training in Germany should make a special note of the internet address www.bibb.de/datenreport where the Federal Institute for Vocational education and Training (BIBB) has just made the German version of its Data Report to the Report on Vocational Education and Training for the Year 2009 available as an online publication.

Read more Information and facts about vocational education and training 'at the click of a mouse'

New training occupations in 2009

Seven new occupations being launched

The Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training is progressively developing and advancing 'dual' vocational training (which combines part-time vocational schooling with practical work experience) in Germany. Seven new or updated 'training occupations' (which require completion of formal vocational training) are being launched at the start of the 2009 training year:

• Bergbautechnologe (mining technician) 
• Industrieelektriker (industrial electrician) 
• Werkfeuerwehrmann (works fireman) 
• Photographer
• Ceramist
• Musikfachhändler (salesperson with specialisation in music) 
• Technischer Modellbauer (technical model maker)

Working together with experts designated by industry associations and trade unions, BIBB has developed a total of 82 new occupations and updated another 219 since 1996. This underscores how efficient and innovative dual vocational training in Germany is.

Download the German-language brochure "Neue und modernisierte Ausbildungsberufe 2009" (New and updated training occupations in 2009)

Collaboration in applied vocational training research

BIBB and Chinese partners generate new impetus

In March 2009, Germany's Federal Ministry of Education and Research and its Chinese partners - the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Science and Technology - proclaimed the Sino-German Year of Science and Education . The Sino-German Year of Science and Education will offer an opportunity to incorporate the subject of vocational education and training to a greater degree in Sino-German talks.

Read more Collaboration in applied vocational training research

Number of training places on offer expected to decline in the coming training year

The number of training places on offer is expected to decline this year. This is one of the key findings from a telephone survey of some 1,000 enterprises which the Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training conducted in cooperation with the Kerpen-based WSF research institute in April 2009. The following report presents further findings from this survey which indicate the major reasons for this decline, the branches of industry and regions in which the decline will be particularly large and whether the number of training places on offer will be large enough to meet the demand from the current school leaver cohort.

Read more Number of training places on offer expected to decline in the coming training year

In-company vocational training - A worthwhile investment for enterprises

Findings from the 2007 BIBB Cost-Benefit Survey

Even though it initially generates costs, it is worth a company's while to provide in-house vocational training, primarily due to the benefits that arise when an enterprise hires its trainees upon completion of their training: This saves recruitment costs and even newly 'graduated' trainees are more productive - at least initially - than skilled workers who have been recruited from the external labour market. The following report outlines this and other key findings from a company survey that the Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training (BIBB) conducted on the costs and benefits of in-company vocational training.

Read more In-company vocational training - A worthwhile investment for enterprises

www.prueferportal.org - New BIBB website

A new information and communication site on the internet - http://www.prueferportal.org/  - has been launched for the estimated 300,000+ examiners in the initial and continuing vocational training field. Developed by the Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training (BIBB), the new portal offers information on everything important about the examination system and examiners' functions, and the chance to exchange views and experiences with other examiners - all at the click of a mouse.

Press reelase 23.10.008
Prueferportal website

Indian vocational training striking out on new paths - and BIBB is on hand to help

India's government wants to see half of all school leavers undergo vocational training by the year 2020 in order to be in good shape for the labour market. Trade and industry are to play an important role in achieving this goal.
The Indian government invited representatives from the German vocational education and training field to meet with Indian partners from 1 to 4 March to discuss how German players could help strengthen India's vocational education and training system. These meetings led to the creation of a German-Indian working group to coordinate activities in various areas. BIBB will be working together with the Employment and Training directorate-general of India's Ministry of Labour and Employment in this connection. The working group's next meeting will probably be held in Germany in late summer. It is planned to launch a number of concrete measures by then.
The dimensions that the German players are dealing with here are enormous. As Labour Minister Fernandes explained, "Where you speak of two zeros, we add another three."

Cooperation agreement with the Helmut Schmidt University

The Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training (BIBB) - represented by President Manfred Kremer and Head of Research Professor Dr Reinhold Weiß - and the Helmut Schmidt University have committed themselves to collaborating in the area of research and development
The signatories and partners in this collaboration at BIBB are the professors of vocational, company-based and industrial education Professor Dr Karin Büchter, Professor Dr Peter Dehnbostel and Professor (emeritus) Dr Gerhard Zimmer and the Centre for Technology-Aided Education / Remote Training Project Group.
The agreement provides for collaboration in research and teaching in the area of vocational training research. BIBB staff will take on teaching assignments and supervise internships. Support will be provided for research theses such as doctorates and postdoctoral theses.

Prize for Innovation in Continuing Education and Training" (WIP)

The Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training awards WIP 2009

This year sees the ninth conferment of the "Prize for Innovation in Continuing Education and Training" (WIP), awarded by the Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training (BIBB) to recognise innovative and forward looking ideas in continuing vocational training/in-company continuing training. The "WIP 2009" (www.bibb.de/wip) carries a cash prize of €2,500 and was presented to each of the five winners by Minister of Education and Cultural Affairs of the State of Lower Saxony Elisabeth Heister-Neumann and President of the Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training Manfred Kremer.

Read more Prize for Innovation in Continuing Education and Training" (WIP)

Situation on the vocational training market continues to improve despite drop in the number of new vocational training contracts

A total of 616,615 new training contracts were signed nationwide in 2008, 9,270 or 1.5% fewer than the year before. Despite this decline, the trend toward an easing on the vocational training market (which began in 2006) continued. The reason: The number of youths who are interested in vocational training has been falling in the wake of the current demographic trend toward smaller age cohorts. This development improved the proportion of supply to demand.

Read more Situation on the vocational training market continues to improve despite drop in the number of new vocational training contracts

Do occupations have their own time?

Findings of a pilot study on time cultures as exemplified by midwives, artists, site managers, and tram drivers

Abbildung: © Gerd Altmann / PIXELIO

"We have different points on the route, when I drive by, the unit compares with the master computer how sharp we are
running, plus one or minus one or plus zero in minutes. After a while you don't need a watch any more." (tram driver)

"Actually there aren't any time stipulations. You can't plan a birth. The kids come when they want, there's nothing you can do about it." (midwife)

"You have to figure out what's important at a given moment and what is less important and divide up your time on that basis." (site manager)

Read more Do occupations have their own time?

Which youths do not undergo/complete formal vocational training?

Analysis of important determinants, with special consideration given to the individual's education biography

The share of youths who do not undergo/complete formal vocational training has been stagnating at around 15% for approximately ten years now - in other words, at a high level - according to analyses of the Microcensus. In light of the considerable labour market risks that persons who have no formal vocational qualification must live with and given the already emerging shortage of skilled labour, this state of affairs can hardly be justified in either social or economic terms. A particularly large number of youths who have not completed their schooling or who earned poor marks in school do not undergo vocational training. However family background, the area the individual lives in, gender and having children who must be looked after are also important factors. The individual's path during the first phase after leaving general academic school plays a key role. This will be shown below on the basis of data from the Transition Study conducted by the Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training (BIBB).

Read more Which youths do not undergo/complete formal vocational training?

"Dual vocational training's success story "

The 'dual' vocational training system in Germany (which combines part-time vocational schooling with practical work experience) is a success story: Since it is geared to real work processes in actual day-to-day occupational practice, it enjoys high standing not only at home but also abroad. More and more countries around the world are tapping into the ad-vantages offered by dual vocational training and are turning increasingly to German institu-tions to learn more about this model. The film "Vocational Education and Training in Germany - Assuring the Future" supports these activities.

Press release 04.09.2008
Film: Vocational Education and Training in Germany - Assuring the Future

The upturn on the training market continues apace - but many apprenticeship applicants in major cities still missing out

The current placement survey undertaken by the Federal Employment Agency (BA) shows that the upturn on the training market is continuing in 2007. Compared Notwithstanding this, many apprenticeship applicants in most major cities are still missing out on the upturn. Although the average number of training places provided in the metropolitan areas is higher than in the countryside and despite the fact that the concentration of provision in the cities on service sector occupations meets the career aspirations of most young people, training places in large cities are also the object of applications from mobile young people from the surrounding areas, applications which obviously often also meet with success.

Read more The upturn on the training market continues apace - but many apprenticeship applicants in major cities still missing out

The training bonus - Does it get unplaced training place applicants into vocational training?

Findings from research and work conducted by the Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training

One out of every six firms can imagine making additional training places available - when adequate financial assistance is provided - for youths who have been seeking a training place without success for at least one year. This would not come into question however for half of the enterprises surveyed. These are the findings from a company survey on the training bonus conducted by the Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training (BIBB) in the spring of 2008.

Read more The training bonus - Does it get unplaced training place applicants into vocational training?

Vocational guidance at inter-company vocational training centres and similar training facilities

Early, practice-oriented and systematic vocational guidance at inter-company vocational training centres is being provided with the aim of facilitating pupils' transition from school to 'dual' vocational training.
 
Using funding from the Federal Ministry of Education and Research, BIBB provides financial assistance to vocational training centres that give youths an opportunity to spend two weeks gathering practical experience in three occupation-specific workshops.

Read more Vocational guidance at inter-company vocational training centres and similar training facilities

Creation of the edvance branch

Germany strengthening its position on the international market for vocational education and training

In future, edvance will be a sign of quality in German VET cooperation.

By creating a common umbrella brand, the edvance initiative aims to give German actors in the vocational education and training field a single 'face' and thus improve their chances on international education markets. edvance will boost the visibility of Germany's contributions in the area of development cooperation.

Read more Creation of the edvance branch

Training - Continuing education - Occupational integration?

Immigrants in the continuing vocational training system

As a rule, continuing vocational training offerings have not made special allowances for immigrants to date. When continuing vocational training programmes are developed, little consideration is given to the conditions that are specific to immigrants' learning situations. Studies conducted by the Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training (BIBB) show however that supporting these target groups in ways that are tailored to their needs is constructive and can be done with comparatively little effort or expense.

Read more Training - Continuing education - Occupational integration?

Prize for Innovation in Continuing Education and Training (WIP)

Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training (BIBB) awards the WIP 2008

This year sees the eighth conferment of the "Prize for Innovation in Continuing Education and Training" (WIP), awarded by the Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training (BIBB) to recognise innovative and forward looking ideas in continuing vocational training/in-company continuing training. The "WIP 2008" carries a cash prize of €2,500 and was presented to each of the five winners by Minister of Education and Culture of the State of Baden-Württemberg Helmut Rau and President of the Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training Manfred Kremer at the "didacta" education fair" in Stuttgart.

Read more Prize for Innovation in Continuing Education and Training (WIP)

Clear progress seen in reducing shortage of training places in 2007

BIBB survey on new training contracts

The positive trend in the training place market that began in 2006 continued into 2007. A total of 625,914 new training contracts had been signed as of the 30 September 2007 reference date - the second highest number since German unification. This number was topped only in 1999 when 631,015 new contracts were signed. In the western half of the country, the number of new training contracts was the highest since the early 1990s.
Despite this substantial increase over 2006 (+49,761 more contracts or an increase of 8.6% nationwide), existing imbalances in the supply of and demand for training places could not be eliminated to any significant degree.

Read more Clear progress seen in reducing shortage of training places in 2007

More enterprises offering in-house vocational training - More training places - Less quality?

The suspension of the Ordinance on Trainer Aptitude and its effects

The temporary suspension of the Ordinance on Trainer Aptitude (AEVO) has led to more enterprises offering in-house vocational training and more training places. The increase however has been less than expected. At the same time, there are signs that the revised AEVO which was passed on 3 May 2003 is having a negative impact on the quality of the training being provided. A clear majority of enterprises feels that the AEVO makes a contribution to ensuring that training personnel has at least a minimum level of qualification and to ensuring the quality of vocational training as a whole. These are the fundamental findings of a study that the Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training (BIBB) conducted in cooperation with the Bonn-based SALSS research group from October 2006 to November 2007.

Read more More enterprises offering in-house vocational training - More training places - Less quality?

BIBB receives visit from the Minister of Education of the Sultanate of Oman

A delegation from the Sultanate of Oman headed by Minister of Education Yahya bin Saud Al-Sulaimi (left in photo) took the opportunity while attending an international conference for education ministers held at Petersberg outside Bonn to also visit the Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training (BIBB). BIBB Deputy President and Head of Research Professor Reinhold Weiß (right in photo) welcomed the high-ranking guests from the Arab world. The talks revolved around several topics including the Federal Institute's structure and work, 'dual' vocational training (which combines part-time vocational schooling with practical work experience), the revision of profiles and regulations for occupations that require completion of formal vocational training, and the role of vocational training research.

BIBB Congress generates impetus

Professor Weiß, deputy president of BIBB: "The dual vocational training system is flexible, efficient and innovative."

With its focus on "Vocational Education and Training as the Path of the Future: Mobilise potential, shape change", the 5th BIBB Congress in Düsseldorf drew nearly 2,000 vocational education and training experts. As BIBB's head of research pointed out, the course of this conference shows that Germany's 'dual' vocational training system (which combines part-time vocational schooling with practical work experience) is flexible enough to adjust to changing requirements and conditions. "It is more flexible, efficient and innovative than some critics would have us believe," said Professor Weiß.
Speech by Professor Dr Weiß: Vocational Training as a Learning System
Impressions from the 5th BIBB Congress
Photo competition held in connection with the 5th BIBB Congress - The winning photos

The 2007 Hermann Schmidt Prize

Increase the attractiveness and step up the internationalization of vocational education and training through stays abroad

The Innovative Berufsbildung e.V. association for innovative vocational education and training singled out four projects for their exceptional achievements. The focus of the 2007 Hermann Schmidt Prize - which was awarded this year for the eleventh time - was on increasing the attractiveness and stepping up the internationalization of vocational education and training through longer stays abroad. Projects and initiatives that work together with foreign partners in innovative and effective ways were honoured. More on this award for innovative vocational education and training.

Read more The 2007 Hermann Schmidt Prize

Continuing Vocational Training in Germany

Continuing vocational training is meant to help people cope with ever-faster technical and economic change and the attendant societal change. Comparative European data on the situation of continuing vocational training reveals differences between EU Member States:
Continuing vocational training in Germany is in a markedly worse position than it is, for example, in the Scandinavian countries, France or the Netherlands.

Read more Continuing Vocational Training in Germany

Considerably more time until it's possible to start training

School-leavers in search of a training place

First-year trainees under the age of 18 have become a minority. The reason: The amount of time it takes lower and intermediate secondary school-leavers to find a training place is increasing. School-leavers whose marks are not the best have particular problems finding a training place - especially in areas where the training place market is tight. However, the individual's sex, their integration into local society and their family background also play a role in how long it takes to make the transition from general schooling to vocational training.

Read more Considerably more time until it's possible to start training

'Reducing the educational hurdles facing young migrants'

The President of the Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training (BIBB), Manfred Kremer, has called for an extensive initiative to improve the poor starting chances of young migrants in the training market. In a speech at the "Diversity in training and work" conference staged by the Coordination Agency for Continuing Training and Employment in Hamburg, BIBB President Kremer presented a series of data and facts to portray the current calamitous situation and proposed an ambitious package of specific measures ranging from providing early support to extensive vocational guidance and extending to include practical occupational support.

Read more 'Reducing the educational hurdles facing young migrants'

Verdict of test conducted by the German consumer association "Stiftung Warentest"

the ELDOC continuing training database is categorised as "good"

In the period from July to November 2006, Stiftung Warentest tested a total of 25 continuing training databases, these comprising ten national, nine state, three regional and three specific topic databases. The verdict of the consumer association was that: "Searching is worthwhile".
 
The ELDOC e-learning continuing training database ELDOC (www.eldoc.info), operated by the Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training (BIBB), was categorised as good (receiving a score of 2.0 on a scale of 1 to 6).

Read more Verdict of test conducted by the German consumer association "Stiftung Warentest"

BIBB signs Diversity Charter

As part of the events surrounding the "Think globally - act locally" event, the Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training has acceded to the "Diversity Charter". The aim of the Charter is for all employees to be valued "regardless of their gender, race, nationality, ethnic origin, religion or world view, any disabilities, age, sexual orientation or identity."

Read more BIBB signs Diversity Charter

Strongest growth in new training contracts since reunification

2006 BIBB survey on newly concluded training contracts:

As part of the events surrounding the "Think globally - act locally" event, the Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training has acceded to the "Diversity Charter". The aim of the Charter is for all employees to be valued "regardless of their gender, race, nationality, ethnic origin, religion or world view, any disabilities, age, sexual orientation or identity."

Read more Strongest growth in new training contracts since reunification

Centre of Excellence for "Design, Manufacture and Communication" officially opened

The Centre of Excellence for "Design, Manufacture and Communication" at the Koblenz Chamber of Crafts and Trades, with funding from the Institute for Vocational Education and Training (BIBB), was officially opened at the start of November. The main function of the Centre of Excellence is to raise young people's awareness of design aspects and enable them to deploy modern computer aided visualisation methods whilst still training. Official speeches were held by Hendrik Hering from the Ministry of Economic of the Federal State of Rhineland Palatinate and BIBB President Manfred Kremer. The project cost around twelve million euro, half of which is being funded by the Federal Government and the Federal State of Rhineland Palatinate and the other half by the chamber. Further information in German is available at www.hwk-koblenz.de.

As much as necessary, as little as possible!

Indexing knowledge in vocational education and training research via the automated alignment of literature to projects within a knowledge management system

"The right information at the right time and at the right place" - in an age where information overload is becoming ever greater and the information jungle ever more impenetrable, identifying the information required at any given moment with the minimum amount of time and effort has sometimes become a task of Sisyphean proportions, especially in light of the fact that a piece of information only turns into a valuable resource when capable of being linked in a meaningful way to other information and when guarantees are in place as to the quality of the information.

Read more As much as necessary, as little as possible!

Ambivalent Placement Report of the Federal Employment Agency

More young people starting training, but more unsuccessful training place applicants than in previous year

Of the training place applicants registered with the Federal Employment Agency (Bundesagentur für Arbeit - BA) about 3 700 more than in the previous year had started an apprenticeship in the period up to 30 September 2006. Yet at the same time, the number of "applicants not yet placed" rose by 9,000 to 49,500, the highest figure since reunification.

Read more Ambivalent Placement Report of the Federal Employment Agency

Hermann Schmidt Prize 2006

Six prizes awarded for outstanding achievements

Innovative Pathways to In-company Vocational Education and Training was the focus of this year's Hermann Schmidt Prize. At the award ceremony conducted at the Outlooks for Vocational Training in Germany conference held by the W. Bertelsmann Verlag in Bielefeld, the Innovative Berufsbildungs e.V. association (Association for Innovative Vocational Education and Training) singled out a total of six projects and initiatives for their outstanding contributions.

Read more Hermann Schmidt Prize 2006

BIBB funding Centre of Excellence for Motor and Commercial Vehicles Technology

Manfred Kremer, President of the Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training, has paid a visit to the Centre of Excellence for Motor and Commercial Vehicles Technology, a 3.7 million euro project funded by BIBB, to view the progress which has been made. The main features of the Centre of Excellence are the development of modular qualifications, order-based implementation of initial and continuing vocational education and training and the development of multi-media aided and tutorially monitored self-learning course. The official opening of the Centre of Excellence is scheduled for June 2007. Further information in German is available at http://www.hwk-arnsberg.de.

Towards a National Qualifications Framework

A broad consensus exists in Germany in the discussion on the draft European Qualifications Framework (EQF) and the possible development of a National Qualifications Framework (NQF):  Education - in the sense of lifelong learning and ensuring the employability of the country's citizens - must be organized and designed with an eye to the macro-objectives that qualifications be transparent, permeable and competence-oriented.
Research and development being undertaken in this connection aim for a national qualifications framework that covers all fields of education and can interface with other systems or frameworks in Europe. The envisioned NQF will not limit itself to describing academic knowledge and classifying programmes but will be strictly orientated towards competences and vocational proficiency.
Read more Towards a National Qualifications Framework for Germany

Partner conference with 16 European national vocational training institutes

The Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training hosted a conference for 16 vocational training institutes from various European countries from 20 - 21 March 2006. The exchange of views and information on the development of a European Qualifications Network (EQF) for evaluating vocational skills took centre stage at the conference. Questions arise for Germany 0 and other European countries 0 regarding the subsequent effects that an EQF will have on national vocational training systems. Read more Partner conference with 16 European national vocational training institutes

WIP prize winners 2006

This year saw the sixth conferment of the Prize for Innovation in Continuing Education and Training (WIP), awarded by the Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training (BIBB) for innovative projects and ideas within the in-company/CVT field. The Prime Minister of Lower Saxony, Christian Wulff, was the patron of the awards. Read more WIP prize winners 2006

IT technology in vocational education and training - A matter of fact today

Information and communication technology (ICT) applications can be found in nearly all areas of life today. Mastery of these applications has become a broad public issue as the foregoing statement by a trainer in the electrical engineering field shows. A particular challenge being posed by new technologies is their widespread impact. This has lead not only to a revision of formal IT occupations but also to the inclusion of new training elements in nearly all occupational profiles and is placing new demands on the didactics of vocational education and training. Read more IT technology in vocational education and training - A matter of fact today

Number of Newly Concluded Training Contracts Drops to Lowest Level since German Reunification

The number of newly concluded training contract was lower in 2005 than ever before in reunited Germany. That was the finding of the survey carried out by BIBB for the period up to 30 September 2005. The agencies responsible for vocational training recorded a total of 550 180 new contracts concluded, which was 22 800 or 4 % less than in the previous year. Read more Zahl der neu abgeschlossenen Ausbildungsverträge fällt auf den niedrigsten Stand seit der Wiedervereinigung

Training place market still very tight

Fewer applicants find a training place than last year

As in the past several years, the 0 currently preliminary 0 statistics issued by the Federal Employment Agency's Vocational Guidance services draw a mixed picture for the 2004/2005 placement year. On the positive side, the number of training place applicants in Germany's eastern states who had not been placed as of 30 September has declined. At national level, 40,900 applicants were still unplaced as of 30 September, 3,200 fewer than in 2004. The number of unplaced applicants fell although the total number of registered applicants grew by 4,600 to 740,700. Read more Training place market still very tight

Alcohol and drug consumption by trainees and young workers

An explorative study

Within the context of its analysis of training and occupational development, the Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training (BIBB) has carried out an explorative study on the relationship between consumption of alcohol and illegal drugs and difficulties experienced in training or in the work environment. Read more Alcohol and drug consumption by trainees and young workers

Maturity for an apprenticeship - a bone of contention for experts too

Results of the BIBB Expert Monitor Survey

"Lack of maturity for an apprenticeship" is an accusation which is levelled more and more frequently at young people nowadays. Opinions are, however, divided on the matter. Some consider the lack of readiness to be the main reason for the current desperate situation on the training market, whereas others view the argument as a smoke and mirrors trick, diverting attention from the present shortage of training places. Read more Maturity for an apprenticeship - a bone of contention for experts too

The consultation process for the European Qualifications Framework is currently in progress

On 14 December 2004, in Maastricht, the ministers responsible for vocational education and training of 32 European countries agreed to develop a European Qualifications Framework (EQF). Not only could a functioning EQF foster the convergence of vocational education and training systems and labour markets in Europe, it could also have consequences for vocational training in Germany.  Read more The consultation process for the European Qualifications Framework is currently in progress

Does sustainable development need new recognised occupations?

Renewable energies are the epitome of responsible and sustainable treatment of natural resources. This also has implications for vocational education and training.
Within the concept of vocational education and training for sustainable development, the central issue is, therefore, which skills are required for sustainable treatment of energy and for the wide application of renewable energies. Read more Does sustainable development need new recognised occupations?

Top positions at BIBB now filled

Professor Reinhold Weiß will join the Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training ("BIBB") as Deputy President and Head of Research on 1 September 2005. Professor Weiß is the second recent appointment to the Institute's uppermost echelon, the first being Manfred Kremer who started work as BIBB's new president on 1 July 2005. Read more 31.08.2005

Participating providers comment on training place programmes for the eastern states

Germany's federal government and eastern states (including Berlin) agreed in May 2005 for the thirteenth year in a row to fund additional training places as part of the Federal-State Training Place Programmes for the Eastern States. Read more Participating providers comment on training place programmes for the eastern states

Electronic network set up

ELKOnet links inter-company vocational training facilities in the electrical engineering and information technology fields

The Program to Support Skill Centres that is funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Training and overseen by the Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training (BIBB) is yielding its first fruits: The ELKOnet training network has been set up, making it the program's first funding project to be completed after three years funding. Read more Electronic network set up

New man at the helm -

Manfred Kremer took over as president of the Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training on 1 July

With Manfred Kremer, a well-known and committed vocational training expert takes charge of BIBB:
 
Kremer headed the Vocational Training directorate at the Federal Ministry of Education and Research since January 2002. Prior to this time he served many years as division head for Vocational Training Policy Issues. Read more 30 June 2005

Farewell to e-learning?

Although there was a real hysteria surrounding e-learning at the end of the 1990's, today this term has become virtually unmentionable. The one state of affairs is, however, just as incorrect as the other. Current results of work done and publications of the Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training (BIBB) provide evidence that the new media and technologies represent an important potential resource for vocational education and training and for the promotion of the transfer of knowledge and technology.
Read more Farewell to e-learning?

International Expert Conference

New Approaches for Lifelong Learning in certified IT qualification and Blended Learning
 
With more learners requiring sustainable initial and occupational education to keep up with rapidly changing industries and technologies, a cadre of 60 international experts from the United States and Europe met in Bonn, Germany, May 10-12 to examine new and better approach to prepare today's workforce. The Focus is on flexible, sustainable and market-driven education and training. Read more on this

Vocational education and training law reform - new impetus after 35 years

The Vocational Training Reform Act, in effect since 1st April 2005, places vocational education and training in Germany on a new footing and permits greater flexibility and openness to new challenges. The purpose of the reform is to ensure and improve youth training opportunities and the high quality of vocational training for all young people The latest edition of the Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training (BIBB) journal "BWP - Berufsbildung in Wissenschaft und Praxis" (Vocational Training in Research and Practice) is devoted to that topic. This issue of BWP gives an overview of the principal revisions of the Act, asks prominent vocational training experts what is in the new Act for them and what they see as the main tasks in implementing it, and finally publishes initial reflections on its implementation in priority areas such as the examination system and full-time vocational schools. Read more Vocational education and training law reform - new impetus after 35 years

Confusion about the 2004 increase in the number of training places

At the end of 2004 the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) disclosed the results of the BIBB survey on newly concluded training contracts for the placement year 2004. According to this survey the number of new training contracts increased countrywide by more than 15,300 over 2003, the first increase since 1999. There were about 14,100 more contracts in the west, and in the east the increase amounted to about 1,200.
At the beginning of April 2005, the Federal Statistical Office (StBA) published data in a press release that deviated from those in the BIBB survey. It said the number of new training contracts had increased by only about 8,400. The increase had been 9,600 in the west and in the east the number had even fallen off. The number of new contracts had dropped there by about 1,200.
Now who is right? The BIBB or the Federal Statistical Office?
Read more Confusion about the 2004 increase in the number of training places

Equal opportunities for (young) women in vocational education and training?

Take advantage of the Girls' Day 2005

The key data is well known. Young women are now achieving better educational qualifications than young men. In terms of commitment, stamina and flexibility they are also at least level; this has not, however, led to an increase in their prospects of obtaining training within the dual system of vocational education and training. Young women, who make up 41% of trainees in the dual system, continue to be underrepresented. Read more Equal opportunities for (young) women in vocational education and training? - Take advantage of the Girls' Day 2005

Current trends in collective agreements aimed at fostering training

Germany had 121 collective agreements on measures to foster training in 2003. This is the largest number since employers' associations and trade unions began concluding agreements to foster in-company vocational training. Agreements of this kind - which are intended to alleviate the tight situation on the training-place market and improve the chances that individuals who have completed in-company vocational training will be hired by the company that trained them - have been around in larger numbers since the mid-1990s. Germany's Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training ("BIBB") is currently examining the development of collective agreements on measures to foster training and offers its latest findings here. Read more Current trends in collective agreements aimed at fostering training

Interim evaluation of the Training place programme for eastern Germany 2002

The Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training has been charged by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research with evaluating the Training place programmes for eastern Germany for the years 2002 to 2004 with the aim of "allowing a more precise overview of the progress made in restructuring the Programmes". For that purpose, the participating Federal states have been providing the BIBB with data on the attendance structure and attendance tendencies in the Training place programmes every six months, beginning in February 2003. Read more Interim evaluation of the Training place programme for eastern Germany 2002

Ensuring Vocational Education and Training for Young People from Immigrant Backgrounds

Although interest in vocational education and training among school leavers from immigrant families is quite high, the chances of young people who hold foreign passports of receiving such education and training are below average and have been stagnating for years. The Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training (BIBB) sheds light on the vocational training situation for young people from immigrant backgrounds, analyses the obstacles encountered in vocational training paths, and discusses possible ways to employ the potential of young people from immigrant backgrounds more effectively in vocational education and training. Read more Ensuring Vocational Education and Training for Young People from Immigrant Backgrounds

The BIBB at didacta 2005 - the education fair

Once again, the Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training (BIBB) will be among those taking part in Europe's largest education fair, didacta, where the BIBB presentation will address a broad range of current issues and problems in initial and continuing vocational education and training. This year's didacta is being held in Stuttgart, from 28 February to 4 March. Read more The BIBB at didacta 2005 - the education fair

Integrate Entrepreneurial Initiative into Vocational Education and Training!

Entrepreneurial skills must be built up gradually if they are to retain their usefulness over the long term. Vocational education and training can begin fostering such skills long before a person starts or takes over a business. A BIBB research project has investigated the ways in which vocational education and training, particularly in the commercial sector, can contribute to the acquisition of entrepreneurial skills and how appropriate offerings could be integrated into vocational education and training. Read more Integrate Entrepreneurial Initiative into Vocational Education and Training!

Marked increase in number of in-company training contracts

The number of new training contracts signed in 2004 was some 15,300 more than in 2003 according to a training contract survey conducted by Germany's Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training ("BIBB"). Read more Marked increase in number of in-company training contracts

Young people don't like "Denglisch" in occupational titles

The majority of those choosing occupations in Germany dislike Anglicized occupational titles, such as "Sales manager" instead of "Verkaufsleiter." This is the initial finding of a new poll of around 2,400 young people. All of those polled were registered with the German Federal Employment Agency as applicants for training places in 2004. Read more Young people don't like "Denglisch" in occupational titles

2004 vocational training placement statistics reveal mixed picture

Statistics from the Federal Employment Agency's Vocational Guidance services show a mixed picture at the close of the 2003/2004 placement year. The number of unplaced applicants increased by 9,600 to a total of 44,600. At the same time, the number of vacant training places fell by 1,400. As a result, the nominal difference between the number of vacant training places and the number of unplaced applicants grew by 11,000 to 31,200. This gap is the largest in the history of post-reunification Germany. Read more 2004 placement statistics reveal mixed picture

Use of instruction materials in inter-company training for construction-related occupations

The use of the right instruction materials in training can be instrumental in implementing needed innovations in inter-company vocational training for construction-related occupations. What role does Germany's Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training ("BIBB") play in this connection? What functions do instruction materials have with regard to organizing and shaping activity-based learning processes and the collaboration between the different types of training venues? Why is it crucial that instructors accept these instruction materials? Read more Use of instruction materials in inter-company training for construction-related occupations

Conference confirms initial research findings

Web-based Learning - Requirements of Instruction Personnel

The initial findings from a research project on teletutors in vocational training were discussed with education experts. This experts0 conference on "Web-based Learning - Requirements of Instruction Personnel" was held to discuss and reflect on the findings generated by the project to date and to obtain assessments regarding the future development of web-based learning and the utilization of supervisory and support personnel.
Read more Web-based Learning - Requirements of Instruction Personnel

Federal uniformity in vocational education and training

There were no taboo subjects for the Commission on Modernising the Federal Order, established by the Bundestag and the Bundesrat in October 2003, when it began scrutinising the legislative competencies of the Federal and state governments. Out-of school vocational training is among the things being tested. Read more Plea for federal competence in the field of vocational education and training

Opinion and discussion:
More training places with the help of "reduced-skill occupations"?

The situation on Germany's training place market has been tight for years. The number of new training contracts between training providers and trainees is on the decline. Young people with poor starting chances - young people who did not complete secondary school or had poor marks - have a particularly hard time finding a suitable training place.
Could less demanding occupations that require only two years of vocational training increase companies' willingness to provide in-plant vocational training? What prospects do individuals who have completed such training programmes have on the job market?
Read more More training places with the help of "reduced-skill occupations"?

LEONARDO DA VINCI:

From "innovation lab" to instrument for reform

Announced in late April, the new call for project proposals for the last two rounds of calls for tenders - 2005/2006 - for the Leonardo da Vinci European vocational education and training programme has a new focus: European pilot projects that implement the goals pursued by the so-called Copenhagen Process. This new focus goes hand-in-hand with a shift in the Leonardo da Vinci programme's definition - from "innovation laboratory" to an instrument for shaping change.  Read more LEONARDO DA VINCI - From "innovation lab" to instrument for reform

Vocational training experts increasingly optimistic about the future

Working and learning in the year 2020

The training-place market is currently dealing with major problems. This has not however shaken the experts' confidence in the long-term ability of vocational training to remain viable in the face of the challenges of the future. Most are sure that the combination of work experience and classroom instruction will continue to be successful in the future. In fact, this optimism has even grown in recent years as a study that compares experts' views in 1997 and 2004 shows. For this study, experts were asked how they imagined vocational training would develop in the years up to 2020. Read more Vocational training experts increasingly optimistic about the future

Opinion and discussion:
Controversy over bill on securing vocational training

A first draft outlining how controversial legislation on a training levy (entitled Act on Securing Vocational Training) could be formulated and implemented was submitted to Germany's coalition parliamentary groups in March. The advantages and disadvantages of the bill from March 30, 2004, are discussed below from the specialist's perspective. Read more Controversy over Draft Law on Securing Vocational Training

New options for assisting disadvantaged persons in the vocational training system?

Steps are being taken to make it easier for young people in general - and youths with social disadvantages or learning difficulties in particular - to embark on a course of vocational training. These efforts revolve around "training modules" which are to help individuals earn basic subject-related qualification on a targeted basis. Can this new form of in-company vocational qualification solve the vocational training problems of disadvantaged young people making the transition from school to the vocational training system? Read more New options for assisting disadvantaged persons in the vocational training system?

Private persons assume high degree of responsibility for their continuing vocational education and training

Life-long learning is considered to be of key importance when it comes to coping with technical, economic, demographic and societal change. Continuing vocational education and training constitutes a fundamental aspect of life-long learning. Read more Private persons assume high degree of responsibility for their continuing vocational education and training

2004 Hermann Schmidt Prize

Customer-orientedness in vocational training

Sponsored by the Association for Innovative Vocational Training, the competition for this year's Hermann Schmidt Prize targets companies, schools and educational facilities in all sectors and fields of training which help promote the guiding principle of customer-orientedness through training measures or projects involving initial or continuing vocational training. Read more 2004 Hermann Schmidt Prize

2004 Didacta Trade Fair for Education and Training - A big success for BIBB!

The Didacta Trade Fair for Education and Training, held this year in Cologne, Germany, from February 9 - 13, drew some 90,000 visitors, making it a big hit not only for the organizer Messe Köln. Germany's Federal Institute for Vocational Training ("BIBB") also reported success: Both the BIBB stand and the Training and Qualification Forum which BIBB organized were swamped with visitors at times. Read more 2004 Didacta Trade Fair for Education and Training - A big success for BIBB!

Now online - Multi-language database for continuing vocational education and training

In a move to make the extensive range of continuing education and training options being offered by German providers known throughout the world, the iMOVE office at the Federal Institute for Vocational Training ("BIBB") has made Germany's first multi-language database for continuing vocational education and training available to the public at www.imove-germany.org. German continuing education and training providers can now use the iMOVE database to selectively market their services worldwide. Read more on this

Implementation strategies for e-learning environments:

Despite the current economic downturn, Internet technology is growing at such a fast pace that with the help of the Internet substantial segments of the economy will be able to work worldwide in just a few years' time. The scale here can be best illustrated with the help of a few examples: Read more Implementation strategies for e-learning environments: Application-oriented and effective across a broad front

2003: the most difficult year in the training place market since German unification

This is the conclusion the BIBB drew in its latest survey on new training contracts concluded by 30 September 2003. The number of training places available, including unfilled training vacancies, dropped to 574,926 (2002: 590,328). Never before have there been so few training places. Demand, on the other hand, defined as the total of successful applicants plus the number of applicants still seeking training places, was more or less at the same level as a year earlier (2003: 595,101, 2002: 595,706).

The transition from information to knowledge - The making of a BIBB knowledge map

"We are drowning in information but starved for knowledge."
 (John Naisbitt)

All areas of vocational education and training have to draw on existing knowledge. The transfer of knowledge and findings is a prerequisite for making new discoveries and applying innovative concepts in practice. The "Product Marketing, Dissemination of Specialist Information, Information Systems" Section at Germany's Federal Institute for Vocational Training (BIBB) is currently working with the Communications and Information System for Vocational Training (KIBB) project on developing a knowledge map that systematically taps and describes available knowledge and, in doing so, supports the user-oriented transfer of research findings and knowledge. The BIBB knowledge map will be made available for online access. It will initially provide information only about knowledge available at BIBB. As part of the KIBB project, the knowledge map will be gradually expanded to include the specialized knowledge and know-how available in the vocational education and training field at a variety of organizations and bodies.

Looking to an upswing

Germany's training place market is currently sending mixed signals: The Federal Employment Services reported some 39,500 training places fewer (-6.7%) at the end of the 2002/2003 placement year. This drop however was limited to the first half of the placement year. In contrast to this decline, the number of in-company training places being reported to employment offices has been higher than the previous year's level every month now since spring. This gives rise to the guarded hope that the downward trend has been reversed. Read more on this

Vocational education and training in the 21st Century - Perspectives for a global society

Globalisation and internationalisation have discernibly reached and are determining the direction of German vocational education and training research as well as vocational education and training. The increasing international networking of ways of working and living confronts vocational education and training research and the system of vocational education with new challenges, problems and questions. In the context of the 4th BIBB Congress, 2,500 experts in initial and continuing vocational education and training from Germany and abroad discussed the consequences of internationalisation and globalisation for the vocational education and training system, for vocational education and training research, for initial and continuing vocational education and training practitioners and for trainees. Read more Vocational training for a global society - Prospects for the 21st Century

IT examination: The debate continues

The model for the final examination in the four IT occupations has been a source of heated debate. Six years after it was launched and the third year after the first regular round of examinations, the waves are not quite as high as they were at first, but the debate over the pros and cons of the new forms of examination have yet to recede completely. This is also demonstrated by the lively response to the online survey carried out by BIBB on the IT final examination. Read more Prüfungen

Demand-oriented and modern training in technical trades indispensable!

Training in less complex trades: a promising model?

One of the most important objectives in training and vocational training policy is to make it possible for young people to receive a qualified education. The desultory situation in the field of training at present is making it difficult especially for young people with so-called "limited resources" to find a suitable training position. It is being contemplated whether to launch less complex trades, including those with a two-year training period and staged trades in order to boost the training opportunities of these target groups. Can less complex training and shorter training period offer a promising alternative? Read more Weniger komplexe Ausbildungen als Perspektivmodell?

Learning - a lifelong challenge

In the world of today qualifications acquired serve as the foundations for further learning and, with this, knowledge. The Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training (BIBB) is working to turn the tried-and-proven initial and continuing vocational education and training system on the whole into an autonomous, equally efficient and integrated vocational training system - in line with the imperative of "lifelong learning". Read more Learning - a lifelong challenge

2003 Hermann Schmidt Prize: Power to the ladies in the new trades

Even if there is a societal consensus that the training opportunities of younger women need to be improved, especially in future-oriented vocations in the information society and to allow them to participate in the job opportunities and opportunities for career advancement associated therewith, the following also holds true: The tendency of young women to stay out of the technology and computer trades - a trend which can already be witnessed in secondary school - continues to prevail when they select a new profession. This is particularly pronounced with regard to the new IT trades which were introduced in 1997: the percentage of young women in these trades has remained pretty much constant at 14%. This means:  women will not develop their potential in these new trades in the field of science and technology on their own. Read more Hermann-Schmidt-Preises 2003

What is the training crisis costing the government?

A high demand for training positions and too few positions is forcing the government to take targeted action to promote vocational education and training. A significant portion of training positions are partially or completely subsidised at present by public funding. It is difficult to obtain an overview of promotional funding, however, due to the plethora of funding agencies and promotional programmes. A research project carried out by the Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training (BIBB) entitled "Public Promotion of In-company Training Measures" in the dual system sheds light on the scope, structure and development of public promotion of training over the period 1997-2001. Read more on this

Internationalisation of vocational education and training

The globalisation of the economy makes the internationalisation of vocational training indispensable. This is all the more the case given the fact that services, products and sub-components are increasingly being sold at the global level and have to also be supplied as a service accordingly. How well is vocational training in Germany prepared for these changing qualification requirements? Read more Internationalisation of vocational education and training

Public promotion of training in Eastern German under scrutiny

Completely new structures were established in the area of vocational training in the new German Länder following reunification. Quantitative problems in the training position market resulting from demographic developments had to be overcome. The task has still not been completed as of the present day.
 
Additional training positions have to be created by applying considerable sums of public financial resources. This raises the question as to how successful individual programmes have been and what action needs to be taken. Read more Public promotion of training in Eastern Germany under scrutiny

Training Offensive 2003

The joint training offensive being staged by the Federal government, business and the trade unions aims at closing the gap between supply and demand in the training market. The Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training is contributiong to an understanding of the labour market with its work and is helping implement Training Offensive 2003.
 
Current: National Training Conference, July 14-15 in Schwerin (more in the current info telegramme)
Portal: http://www.ausbildungsoffensive-2003.de/ Read more Training Offensive 2003

Last modified on: February 7, 2007