Division 4.5

Division 4.5 supports and oversees the administration and evaluation of vocational orientation programmes in Germany. They support the Federal Government, the Federal Employment Agency (Bundesagentur für Arbeit - BA) and the states in their efforts to implement vocational orientation programmes facilitating young peoples’ transition from school into their careers. The creation and support of a strong network between different stakeholders in the field is a crucial element of work in Division 4.5 that ensures the success and sustainability of these programmes.

Division 4.5 in the Federal Institute of Vocational Training is dedicated to overseeing and supporting both the Career Orientation Programme and the Education Chains Initiative. That means the division implements several programmes and initiatives under the umbrella of the Federal Ministry for Education, Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth (BMBFSFJ) such as the Vocational Orientation Programme (Berufsorientierungsprogramm - BOP). An important part of this programme are workshops held with students in Year 7 and 8 (around 13 and 14 years of age) to conduct the so-called ‘Potenzialanalyse’ (analysis of potential) to help students identify their strengths and weaknesses.  The Vocational Orientation Programme for refugees and migrants (Berufliche Orientierung für Personen mit Flucht- und Migrationserfahrung - BOFplus) is also part of Division 4.5.

The Division for Career Orientation/Education Chains is responsible for the professional and academic support, process management as well as PR and communications for the so-called Education Chains Initiative, a joint effort of the BMBFSFJ and the Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs (Bundesministerium für Arbeit und Soziales - BMAS). The Initiative operates under the slogan: “No qualification without continuation - chaining education links until the completion of vocational training”.

The Initiative supports the Federal Government, the BA and the states in providing a coherent and well-structured vocational orientation. This ensures a smooth transition from school into a suitable career. The goal is to secure a future of trade and industry that can rely on skilled and motivated young workers.  

The Initiative creates and distributes information material and offers workshops for education practitioners. It also houses the administration office for the so-called “Bund-Länder-BA-Begleitgruppe zur Initiative Bildungsketten”. This is a committee made up of representatives of the BMBFSFJ, the BA and the education ministries of the different states. They meet regularly to plan, structure and streamline vocational orientation and education in the country. Furthermore, the Initiative is also tasked with the administration professional development of the Berufswahlpass and berufswahlapp, a career orientation portfolio to be used in schools, and the coordination office for vocational training and migration (Koordinierungsstelle Ausbildung und Migration- KAUSA).