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.
In his editorial, BIBB President Friedrich Hubert Esser emphasises that education is the main resource available to our country and that continuing training will, therefore, remain an important topic in future. He stresses four points to which particular consideration needs to be accorded in order to promote participation in continuing training.
Further papers included in the present issue deal with access to higher education for those who have obtained a higher education entrance qualification via vocational education and training and models of school-based VET leading to a qualification awarded by the chambers pursuant to § 43 Paragraph 2 of the Vocational Training Act (BBiG).