Individual educational histories make it visible just how permeable the educational system actually is. Such histories do not always progress in a straight line. Transitional phases which call for new alignments or reorientation are a particular focus of attention. This issue of "Vocational Training in Research and Practice - BWP" investigates the question of how individual, institutional and structural conditions leave their mark on educational and occupational biographies. It covers the whole of the lifespan from school learning to the continuing vocational training of older employees. Findings from research and educational practice are presented for this purpose.

Editorial: Dropping out of higher education may be an opportunity

Friedrich Hubert Esser, Professor Dr., President of the Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training (BIBB)

Every end can be a new beginning. This especially applies to young adults who prematurely terminate a course of higher education study in Germany. The latest figures show that the drop-out rate amongst those pursuing a Bachelor's degree is as high as 28 in 100. Taking such a step is not easy because it is often perceived as failure. Nevertheless, it may also open up new prospects and thus represent an opportunity for the young people themselves, for companies and for the dual system.
Editorial in the BIBB-journal Vocational Training in Research and Practice - BWP

Read more Editorial: Dropping out of higher education may be an opportunity

Higher education doubters and their view of vocational education and training - Results of a student survey

Barbara Hemkes, Kim-Maureen Wiesner

This article deals with the issue of the direction of orientation of higher education students who express doubts that they will successfully complete their current course of study. One particular focus of interest is their perception of dual vocational education and training as a possible alternative to higher education study. The basis for the analysis is provided by the results of a student survey into the attractiveness of VET conducted by BIBB in conjunction with the Department of Labour Economics at the University of Maastricht.
Article from the BIBB-journal Vocational Training in Research and Practice - BWP

Read more Higher education doubters and their view of vocational education and training - Results of a student survey

Reaching the goal via various educational pathways?

Silvia Annen, Michael Tiemann

Bachelor courses of study offer young people the option of acquiring a professional qualification within three years. The consequence of this could be that skilled workers who have completed initial and advanced VET will be competing with Bachelor graduates for the same occupational positions in future. Against this background, a current BIBB research project investigates typical educational pathways in the commercial sector.
Article from the BIBB-journal Vocational Training in Research and Practice - BWP

Read more Reaching the goal via various educational pathways?

Costs and benefits of company-based training in Vietnam

Anika Jansen, Steffen Horn, Nguyen Hoang Nguyen

Many countries aim to involve more companies in the vocational education and training system. Transparency of the actual costs and benefits of company-based training activities helps governmental authorities to steer this process adequately and can be used to convince firms to increase their involvement in company-based training. This article illustrates the challenges of implementing a cost and benefit study in Vietnam. It discusses the application of the BIBB cost-benefit model, the implementation of the survey, and the interpretation of the main results under special consideration of the different contextual conditions.
Article from the BIBB-journal Vocational Training in Research and Practice - BWP

Read more Costs and benefits of company-based training in Vietnam

Smartphone provides guidance on professional recognition

"Recognition in Germany" has produced a new app for Android, iOS and Windows devices. It is available in German and English as well as in the five major languages spoken by refugees (Arabic, Dari, Farsi, Tigrinya and Pashto).

Vocational education and training - an important and future-oriented issue in the German-Mexican relationship

Federal Foreign Minister Steinmeier travelled to Mexico on 6 June for the start of the country's Year of Germany. In light of this, Ms Martina Klumpp, head of the Business and Global Issues department at the German Embassy in Mexico City, outlines the prospects, in particular in terms of collaboration in vocational education and training.

Read more VET - an important and future-oriented issue in the German-Mexican relationship

Vocational Education and Training - a European Challenge: the German-Italian approach

Germany and Italy agree on the next steps for the collaboration in vocational education and training. On 3 May, Prof. Dr. Johanna Wanka and her Italian counterpart Stefania Giannini signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Lake Como in Villa Vigoni.

Read more Vocational Education and Training - a European Challenge: the German-Italian approach

BIBB and SENAI seek to expand their collaboration

The Brazilian National Service for Industrial Vocational Education and Training (SENAI) is planning to extend its provision of vocational education and training. The intention is to integrate elements of dual education and training, and, in this context, to update the statutory framework for vocational education and training in Brazil. The BIBB was asked to support this process in an advisory capacity. In addition to this, SENAI and BIBB are also seeking to refocus their collaboration.

Read more BIBB and SENAI seek to expand their collaboration

Cooperation with China

Looking for "Training - Made in Germany"? The close collaboration between the German Chamber of Industry and Commerce Shanghai (AHK Shanghai) and iMOVE is your gateway to the German education and training industry. Find your point of contact in China on the new "Cooperation China" page in the iMOVE portal.

Read more Cooperation with China

Qualification of Indian master trainers in three-year collaboration

bfz - Training and Development Centers of the Bavarian Employers' Associations gGmbH completes a contract for the Indian Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MoSDE) on the qualification of Indian master trainers. Read the iMOVE interview with Jens Kayser, Project Coordinator at bfz.

Read more Qualification of Indian master trainers in three-year collaboration

Delegation from the Palestinian territories visits the BIBB

As part of a five day study visit, on 2 June Palestinian representatives from the areas of VET policy making and business met with experts from the Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training (BIBB) to find out about the German dual system of vocational education and training.

Read more Delegation from the Palestinian territories visits the BIBB

"No crisis in the dual system of VET" - Düsseldorf Chamber of Crafts and Trades visit the BIBB

Academisation, inter-company vocational training centres, and digitalisation were the central themes discussed in an exchange of views during a visit by leading representatives of the Düsseldorf Chamber of Crafts and Trades to the BIBB.

Read more Düsseldorf Chamber of Crafts and Trades visit the BIBB

Integrated solutions work best for key issues - Federal Metal Association visits information event at BIBB

Whether it's refugee access to vocational education and training in Germany, skilled worker development on the future employment market or the challenges and prospects for digitalization - it is precisely key current issues such as these which require integrated solutions. Members of the vocational education and training committee of the Federal Metal Association and experts from the Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training agreed on this at a wide-ranging and in-depth discussion in Bonn. The devil, it would seem, is clearly in the detail.

Read more Federal Metal Association visits information event at BIBB

Facts, figures and data on vocational education and training

The Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training (BIBB) has published its 2016 Data Report. The Data Report includes comprehensive information and analyses on the development of initial and continuing vocational education and training in Germany. It supplements the annual Federal Government Report on Vocational Education and Training, which has been adopted by the Federal Cabinet.

Read more Facts, figures and data on vocational education and training - BIBB publishes 2016 Data Report

Approaching Apprenticeship Systems from a European Perspective (Academic Research Discussion Paper)

The Academic Research Discussion Paper is aimed to give a general overview of the basic aspects of an apprenticeship system and describes some trends as to the establishment and development of apprenticeship systems. The paper provides a number of examples from EU countries but also makes relevant detours to other countries to illustrate the wide range of apprenticeship systems. Focus is placed on countries where apprenticeship constitutes an important part of the formal VET system.

Read more Approaching Apprenticeship Systems from a European Perspective - Download

New Brochure on the Recognition of Spanish Education and Training Qualifications

What are the options for workers in Spain who are interested in recognition to enable them to work in Germany in the occupations in which they are qualified? Information on this is now provided in a new brochure.

Bundesinstitut für Berufsbildung (BIBB)
Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training

Friedrich-Ebert-Allee 114 – 116
53113 Bonn - Germany

Tel.: +49 228 / 107 - 0
Fax: +49 228 / 107 - 2977
Email: bibbnews@bibb.de

https://www.bibb.de/en - The BIBB online knowledge portal

Editorial Team:
Charlotte Schölgens (editor-in-chief)