Print version Recommend this page Press release
25/ 2007
Bonn, 31.05.2007
Vocational education and training under (reform) pressure
5th BIBB Congress: detailed programme now available - early booking discount until 30 June
Germany's tried and tested vocational training system is currently coming under (reform) pressure on numerous fronts on such issues as the lack of training places, the debate centring on the modularisation of vocational training, the merging of occupations to form "occupational families", training place applicants in "waiting loops", the problem of so-called "old applicants" (unplaced applicants from previous years), the realignment that a European or national qualifications framework will bring and the growing competition coming from university qualifications such as the Bachelor degree. In which direction should - and will - vocational education and training in Germany develop? The 5th Congress of the Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training (BIBB), to be held in Düsseldorf from 12 to 14 September 2007, will provide answers to this diverse range of challenges. The detailed programme for the Congress, the motto of which is "The future of vocational education and training: mobilising potential - shaping change" is now available for download at www.bibb.de/fachkongress. Those registering early can still take advantage of the early booking discount until 30 June 2007.
Manfred Kremer, President of the Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training: "Vocational education and training needs to provide answers to issues which are currently pressing, identify future-looking perspectives and develop innovative solutions. The BIBB Congress is the ideal platform for this, affording all those involved in VET the opportunity to engage in an extensive exchange of information and experiences on the main and future issues. This is the largest vocational education and training policy congress held in a German speaking country, and your views and your involvement are what matters. Help us identify the most urgent areas for reform and work with us to develop practical steps which may be implemented."
The main focus of the opening part of the Congress will be the question: "What do we need to do to ensure effective vocational education and training in the future?" VET reform policy concepts will be presented by the following:
- Andreas Storm, MP, Parliamentary State Secretary at the Federal Ministry of Educa-tion and Research
- Helmut Rau, member of the state parliament, Minister of Culture, Youth Affairs and Sport of the State of Baden-Württemberg and member of the Standing Conference of the Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs of the Länder of the Federal Republic of Germany
- Dr. Dieter Hundt, President of the Confederation of German Employers' Associations (BDA)
- Frank Werneke, Deputy National Chairman of the service sector trade union ver.di-
This will be followed by a debate of all current VET issues to take place in eight forums and around 30 working groups:
- Forum 1: Strategies to secure training, continuing training and occupational competence
- Forum 2: New structural concepts and innovative developments in the organisation of vocational education and training
- Forum 3: Quality in vocational education and training
- Forum 4: Lifelong vocational education and training
- Forum 5: Qualification perspectives for small and medium-sized companies (SME's)
- Forum 6: Sustainable development in vocational education and training
- Forum 7: Changes in learning cultures
- Forum 8: Vocational education and training international: comparison, cooperation, marketing
All further information, the brochure containing the detailed Congress programme and the online registration form are available on the BIBB website at www.bibb.de/fachkongress
Those registering by 30 June 2007 will pay a reduced fee of €240 for attendance of the who-le of the Congress (thereafter the fee will rise to €330). Individual Congress days may also be booked. Representatives of the media may attend free of charge.
Point of contact for information on the BIBB Congress:
Barbara Schulte, Tel.: 0228 / 107-2829; fachkongress@bibb.de
