Stefan Koschek

The consequences of demographic change are already leading to problems in the coverage of skilled worker requirements in individual regions, particularly in the East of Germany. For this reason, the question arises as to whether counter-measures can be taken in the form of targeted investment in continuing training for the so-called skills reserves. This year's Continuing Training Monitor (wbmonitor) provides a basis for representing the extent to which any recent changes in the participant structure have been recorded in this regard from the provider point of view.

Read more Growth regions use continuing training to expand their location benefits

Christian Gerhards, Dr. Sabine Mohr, Klaus Troltsch

In international comparative terms, German companies remain behind expectations when it comes to the continuing training of their employees. In light of the clearly impending shortage of skilled workers and rising requirements with regard to activities and skills, there ought, however, to be an increasing demand on the part of firms for company-based continuing training to act as an important instrument for the securing of economic efficiency and to cover training needs.

Read more Is the shortage of skilled workers increasing companies' participation in continuing training?

Prof. Dr. Friedrich Hubert Esser, President of the Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training

A number of commentators think that Germany is a nation of slouches when it comes to continuing education. International studies also do much to lend this theory a certain plausibility. However, it is fundamentally problematic to compare country-specific continuing education reports because different countries' education systems can differ quite considerably.

Commentary of Prof. Dr. Friedrich Hubert Esser:" Continuing education remains a priority for the future!"

Participation in continuing training amongst the working age population in Germany still remains behind the targets set nationally and internationally. In the light of demographic developments and extended life working time, however, the use of targeted second chance qualification and of continuing learning following the completion of an initial vocational qualification as a vehicle for increasing the potential supply of skilled workers is gaining in significance. The papers included in the present issue of BWP focus on the participation behaviour of the various target groups and explain the possible courses of action via which participation in continuing vocational training can be promoted via public funding programmes, general financial and legal conditions or company models.

Read more BWP 1/2012 - Promoting continuing training

Young people from a migrant background: worse prospects of success despite extensive endeavours to search for a training place

Ursula Beicht

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.

Read more BIBB Report 16/2011 - Young people from a migrant background

Employment without a vocational qualification - what are the available routes?

Uta Braun, Felix Bremser, Klaus Schöngen, Sabrina Weller

In 2007, a total of approximately 5.3 million persons in active employment had not completed vocational training. The unemployment rates amongst this statistical group have been rising at an above-average rate since the beginning of the 1980's. In 2009, the unemployment rate for all unskilled members of the active working population was 21.9%, more than three times higher than the corresponding figure for persons who had completed vocational education and training (6.6%).Jobs for unskilled workers are being cut or relocated to low-wage countries (REINBERG/HUMMEL 2007). This means that unskilled workers are subject to a higher risk of not being able to exercise permanent employment which offers prospects for development.

Read more BIBB Report 17/2012 -Employment without a vocational qualification - what are the available routes?

BIBB and iMOVE in Jordan

Michael Wiechert, Hans-Joachim Kissling, Markus Milwa

Following a trip to Germany in the spring of 2011 by the former Jordanian Minister of Higher Education Professor Wajih Owais, staff from BIBB and iMOVE paid a reciprocal visit to Amman on 15 and 16 January 2012 in order to obtain an impression of the current situation of vocational education and training in the country and identify possible approaches to specific cooperation.

Read more BIBB and iMOVE in Jordan

Recruitment at the medium qualifications level - case studies from Germany, England and Switzerland

Ute Hipppach-Schneider

The research project "Recruitment at the medium qualifications level - case studies from Germany, England and Switzerland", which has been conducted in the three countries concerned by BIBB acting in conjunction with the University of Zurich, has arrived at the conclusion that vocational education and training is accorded a high degree of importance and a good level of labour market relevance in Germany and Switzerland.

Read more Recruitment at the medium qualifications level

OECD National Background Report on the OECD activity "Skills beyond school"

Ute Hipppach-Schneider

The OECD Project "Skills beyond School", which was initiated in 2011 and also involves Germany, focuses on vocational qualifications acquired after the conclusion of schooling or initial training at upper secondary level. Within the context of this project, BIBB has acted on behalf of the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) and in conjunction with the Standing Conference of the Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs (KMK) to draw up the National Background Report.

Read more OECD National Background Report on the OECD activity "Skills beyond school"

BiBB launched "International Advisory Academy" with Hashim Abdul-Wahab and David Fretwell as featured speakers

Jan Ebben

BiBB has launched a new series of lectures on international TVET consulting. The new format will be known as  the "International Advisory Academy." The main goal for these lectures is to provide opportunities for first-hand learning about the practice of international TVET consulting, and to foster a community of practice of international consultants within and around BiBB.

Read more BiBB launched "International Advisory Academy"

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