Division 3.2
International Advisory Services, Cooperation with Partner Institutions
Division 3.2 is responsible for the bilateral VET cooperation with BIBB partner institutions and multilateral organizations. Furthermore, the division conducts advisory projects in partner countries.
The principal focus is to provide advice in regard to the establishment or reform of the national VET system in partner countries. This includes the areas of VET governance, learning in the work process, standards in VET, training of VET staff and the institutionalization of VET research.
For instance, the division supports in the development of steering mechanisms and a social partnership-based VET governance and advises on financing models and the legal basis of VET systems. Further frequent topics are the cooperation between learning venues, the development of training and examination standards, the establishment of a national VET reporting system and the implementation of cost-benefit analyses for VET.
The cooperation with multilateral organizations is another focus of work.
AB 3.2 and AB 3.1 are jointly implementing the BMBFSFJ initiative “Towards a Global TVET Agenda”. They are working with the four multilateral partners UNESCO-UNEVOC, ILO, OECD, ETF and regional key stakeholders to strengthen and coordinate cooperation in VET. The aim is to increase the attractiveness, innovative capacity and excellence of VET - including in Germany. The focus is on evidence-based policy-making, social partnership, high-quality dual VET and work-based learning as well as on global knowledge exchange.
On behalf of the BMBFSFJ, the division implements funding activities for the annual international vocational training competitions, EuroSkills and WorldSkills. Funding is provided for national selection processes, the preparation of participants and the participation of the German national team in the competitions as well as the implementation of EuroSkills 2027 in Düsseldorf.
(As of March 12, 2026)
