Enterprises influence adult learning in many ways. They are not only learning places and training providers, they also finance training. Learning takes place randomly or purposefully in the course of the work process. Larger enterprises in particular offer their own internal courses or finance their employees' participation in training measures offered by external training providers. Based on the European survey of continuing vocational training in enterprises, CVTS, this paper examines which forms of learning predominate in employer-provided vocational training in Germany and in Europe and whether the training offered in Germany has become more diversified in the majority of enterprises in recent years.

Read more Forms of workplace-based learning and learning-place diversity in employer-provided vocational training

The German economy is facing increased competition in the wake of progressive structural change and globalisation. In the process, knowledge-intensive services in particular are becoming increasingly important. Trade and industry are placing growing demands on worker qualifications. The following analysis shows the extent to which the qualification structure in the German population satisfies these demands.

Read more Continued stagnation in the qualification structure in the German population

The present paper focuses on the opportunities for successful scholarly research through effective use of the Internet. A systematic approach necessary for the research of specialist scientific information is then demonstrated. In conclusion, a selection of useful information resources for the subject field is introduced. A comparison between a search query related to Vocational Education and Training (VET) in an Internet search engine with a query in special online portals and databases will be drawn.

Read more Comparison between a VET-related search query in an Internet search engine and via a subject-specific information resource

Systematically imparted specialist and general knowledge is becoming increasingly more significant in the knowledge and information society. Such knowledge can, however, only unfurl its productive power in conjunction with know-how and skills acquired via experience and practice, a combination fundamental to dual concepts.

Read more: Learning in the work process - a model for the future with potential for development!

Read more BWP 1/2011 Learning in companies

In the light of technological change and the ageing of industrialised societies, it is indisputable that growing significance will be accorded to processes of lifelong learning in future. What is in dispute, however, is who is to provide the financing and to which extent. The BIBB Project "Continuing vocational training: causes of possible under-investments and incentives for companies and employees" undertakes a specific consideration of continuing training measures which lead to marketable qualifications.

Read more Continuing training policy covered by collective wage agreements in Germany and the Netherlands

The objective of the project "Establishment and development of a European network to support evidence-based policy and practices in education and training" is to support the development of sustainable infrastructures and processes to enable evidence informed policy and practice (EIPP) in Europe. This will include aspects of the production, mediation, and use of research as well monitoring and research on these knowledge brokerage (KB) processes. BIBB is partner in this project.
Contact Ute Hippach-Schneider - hippach-schneider@bibb.de

Another new project funded by the European Commission (ENIQAB) will aim at connecting the European initiative on quality in vocational education (EQAVET ) with the German pilot initiative on quality assurance and development in in-company vocational education and training over the next three years. BIBB takes the lead in this initiative with three partners from Europe from Poland, Portugal and Austria.
Contact: Tanja Weigel - Weigel@bibb.de

With regard to the development of the European Credit Transfer System in Vocational Education (ECVET) there are three new projects to which BIBB contributes:

. EASYMetal is a project of the to the Institute for Vocational Training, Labour Market and Social Policy (INBAS GmbH) in Offenbach, Germany. The project aims at better permeability between prevocational education and dual vocational education in selected occupations in the metal sector. BIBB takes over quality assurance and scientific monitoring functions.
Contact Dr. Christiane Eberhardt - Eberhardt@bibb.de

. In the project ESYQC the ECVET principles will be tested for six qualifications in the business sector. Potential overlap between qualifications and possibilities of mutual accreditation will be identified. The project is led by IBS (Institut für berufliche Bildung und EDV-Schulung GmbH Kompetenzzentrum für berufliche Weiterbildung) in Lauchhammer, Brandenburg. BIBB will be responsible for analytical functions and the links to other relevant ECVET projects.
Contact Dr. Christiane Eberhardt - Eberhardt@bibb.de

. The French project MEN-ECVET will look at necessary reforms of selected French qualifications in the fields of administration, construction and health care according to ECVET principles. BIBB will be part of the advisory board of this project that is led by the Centre international d'études pédagogiques.
Contact: Marthe Geiben - Geiben@bibb.de