The Netherlands: Driving the convergence of the formal and non-formal education sectors
This article explores the impact of the Netherlands Qualifications Framework (NLQF) in enhancing the transparency, standardisation and governance of qualifications in the formal and non-formal education sectors, for lifelong learning initiatives, and how its future potential can be assessed.
Dual training in the digital transformation in Latin America
The second webinar on 'Dual training in the digital transformation in Latin America' took place on 26 June 2025. Organised by the coordination group of the Alliance for Dual Training in Latin America and the Caribbean, of which the BIBB is a member, the focus was on the use of digital technologies.
Examining the conceptual basis of transparency and transferability tools in the EU
Informed by European experiences, this article examines the conceptual basis of transparency and transferability tools in the EU and underlines the importance of distinguishing between qualifications and competencies and how this can be achieved by precisely applying learning outcomes terminology.
Mexican expertise on the German labour market is a win-win situation
"I really want to go back to Germany and work there." Rosa S. was very excited when she heard that the Carl Duisberg Centren in Latin America had accepted her onto a new programme.
Apply now: Together with its partner SENAI, BIBB invites to an international call for start-ups. The programme promotes the technical development and market launch of digital innovations for VET in Brazil. Funding is provided by SENAI, while BIBB supports the start-ups with jury and expert advice.
Cedefop study on the current state of transparency and transferability of qualifications in VET in Europe
A Cedefop study on the state of progress of the learning outcome approach in VET in Europe revealed that thematic areas, such as credit accumulation and transfer, quality assurance, recognition of qualifications, and validation systems for non-formal and informal learning, are also relevant.
Delegation from the Indonesian Embassy Visits BIBB
The Chargé d'Affaires of the Indonesian Embassy and his delegation visited the BIBB offices in Bonn to learn more about Germany’s dual vocational training system. They also exchanged views on BIBB’s advisory work in Indonesia. It was a lively and stimulating discussion throughout.
From 7 to 9 May 2025, over 1,500 participants from more than 80 countries gathered in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, for the 18th edition of eLearning Africa. Preceding the trade fair congress, iMOVE spent three days visiting key players in vocational education and training with German training providers.
Medical assistants perform varied tasks in the medical professions. They look after patients and assist with examinations, treatments and operational organisation. Social competencies are also relevant. This occupational profile describes why this is the case and provides current training figures.
GOVET looks back on the year 2024. In a retrospective, the annual report highlights success stories, challenges, and topics from GOVET's advisory work as a One-Stop Shop for the iBBZ, at Round Table meetings, and in cooperation with the BMBF.
At the beginning of May, a high-ranking delegation from the Malaysian government visited BIBB to learn about and exchange information on data management and the strategic use of data for VET.
Due to technological changes in the world of work, continuous competence development is increasingly important. This article examines the prevalence of competence management in companies and investigates whether it influences the participation of low-skilled employees in non-formal CVET.
How can transparency be achieved for the shaping of a European Education Area? The aims of this issue are to consider the different instruments and to highlight their relevance for VET at a national and European level.
On 24 March 2025, iMOVE had the pleasure of hosting a delegation from the National Skill Development Corporation International from India, marking the occasion with two dynamic round table discussions.
Education Forum Asia: Education as an ongoing process
Around 100 participants gained valuable insights into current trends and developments in vocational education and training in Germany and Asia at the Education Forum Asia on 28 March 2025. iMOVE organized the event together with OAV - German Asia-Pacific Business Association in Hamburg.
The most frequently asked questions regarding the German VET System, the recognition of qualifications or on how to start a career in Germany will be answered here.
The glossary is a source for terms and definitions which are used in the field of vocational education and training. Emphasis is placed on its usage in the context of the German dual system. The VET Glossary is a work in progress and updated and expanded on an ongoing basis.
The BIBB publishes its research and work results in different series. You will find all BIBB publications in the index of publications. A selection of publications is available in English.
VET on the move: Technical Terminology for Healthcare Professionals from India (Video on YouTube)
GOVET spoke with trainees and skilled workers about permeability in vocational education and training (Testimonial playlist on YouTube)
Statements on the COVID-19 pandemic - Theory-Interview with Prof. Frédéric Lebaron on Corona and Technology Assessment (Video on YouTube)
iMOVE Online Presentation: Bridging Courses for India (Video on YouTube)
Publications
Methods of competence assessment in vocational education and training (VET) in Germany - A systematic review
The present study provides a systematic overview of the methods of competence assessment in German vocational education and training (VET). To this end, 58 publications from the years 2001 to 2017 have been reviewed regarding the occupational areas for which assessment instruments were developed, types of competences that were assessed, the types of instruments used to assess the competences and the psychometric properties of these instruments. The results indicate that the instruments described in the reviewed publications particularly address commercial, industrial-technical and health occupations. The majority of the instruments deal with the identification of professional competences (66%), followed by basic (24%) and social/communicative competences (9%).
The Data Report of the Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training (BIBB) provides a comprehensive overview of the actual data on the German Vocational Education and Training system and is published yearly in German. This current English version of the Data Report presents a selection of the most relevant data and analyses of the 2019 Data Report. It contains extensive information and analyses relating to initial and continuing vocational education and training and covers international indicators and benchmarks. The special focus of this Data Report is “Vocational education and training 4.0 – skilled worker qualifications and competencies for the digitalised work of the future”.
Sustainability is one of the greatest social challenges in this day and age. Climate protection, fair working conditions and responsible neighbourhoods are becoming increasingly important issues for companies. A sustainable in-company learning environment helps employees to develop sustainability-related skills. These skills play a crucial role when it comes to acting in line with the guiding principle of sustainability. Companies are already doing a great deal to increase sustainability. However, there is still substantial potential to do more. This guideline describes four key areas for designing sustainable learning venues with a total of 13 areas of action. It provides practice-oriented suggestions for implementation in companies. The guideline thus not only brings fresh momentum for reporting, but also contributes to anchoring sustainable development more firmly into the structure of initial and continuing vocational education and training at companies.
Occupational Participation of Persons with Disabilities: Perceptions and Empirical Evidence
The quality of employment of employees with disabilities differs from that of employees without disabilities only for a few selected indicators. This is shown by analyses based on a follow-up survey of the BIBB/BAuA Employment Survey (ETB) 2018. The follow-up survey also includes a survey experiment on the perception of the situation of people with disabilities on the labour market. A significant proportion of respondents misperceive the gap in labour force participation between people with and without disabilities. Employed persons with disabilities assess the labour market integration of persons with disabilities to be worse when they are informed about the actual gap in labour market participation.
The most frequently asked questions regarding the German VET System, the recognition of qualifications or on how to start a career in Germany will be answered here.
