The Federal Government wants to support further the development of VET in the partner countries and to strengthen Germany’s international cooperation in VET. The aim of the Federal Government’s bilateral VET cooperation is to help partner countries effectively integrate elements of practice-oriented or dual VET into their respective systems by sustainable support in line with the partner country’s context and needs. Another objective is to support German companies abroad in their efforts to...
Description
What/How/Who/For whom/When of the policy development in detail, explaining its activities and annual progress, main actors and target groups.
The subject of bilateral VET cooperation is usually the intentions of a partner country to reform its VET system. Project funding in international VET cooperation serves to make expert knowledge and implementation competences from Germany available to the partner countries. Examples of good practice are developed and tested on various VET topics and can stimulate reforms in the partner countries. Pilot projects are funded by BMBF, which regularly publishes relevant funding guidelines to...
Bodies responsible
This section lists main bodies that are responsible for the implementation of the policy development or for its specific parts or activities, as indicated in the regulatory acts. The responsibilities are usually explained in its description.
Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF)
Federal Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK)
Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ)
Federal Foreign Office (AA)
UNESCO-UNEVOC
Association of German Chambers of Industry and Commerce (DIHK)
At EuroSkills, Europe's best skilled workers compete in their disciplines in the fields of crafts, industry, services and future skills for the title of European champions. In order to internationalise further the German system of initial and continuing vocational education and training, the participation and organisation of the German national vocational team is supported by the Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) and the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWi).
...
Description
What/How/Who/For whom/When of the policy development in detail, explaining its activities and annual progress, main actors and target groups.
WorldSkills - the World Skills Championships - and EuroSkills - the European Skills Championships - take place alternately every two years. The WorldSkills Germany network promotes and supports national and international competitions of non-academic professions. Founded in 2006, the WorldSkills Germany association currently unites over 80 members. In addition to companies and associations, these include Chambers of Skilled Crafts and guilds or industry associations, as well as the BMBF and...
Bodies responsible
This section lists main bodies that are responsible for the implementation of the policy development or for its specific parts or activities, as indicated in the regulatory acts. The responsibilities are usually explained in its description.
Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF)
Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training (BIBB)
Federal Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK)
With the Excellence Initiative for vocational education and training (VET), the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) is providing targeted impetus for a necessary boost in attractiveness and modernity. The aim is to contribute to the necessary change in society's appreciation of VET. The Excellence Initiative for VET is a crucial part of the Federal Government's skilled labour strategy.
The initiative aims to increase the attractiveness of VET for all young people. A special...
Description
What/How/Who/For whom/When of the policy development in detail, explaining its activities and annual progress, main actors and target groups.
With the Excellence Initiative for VET policy projects are combined into an overarching agenda. Individual activities will be launched successively during 2022 to 2026. Over EUR 750 million have been earmarked for this purpose.
In order to give new impetus to VET, the Excellence Initiative focuses on three central fields of action.
Improving individual opportunity support for talents in VET, to ensure that skilled workers and young people can develop their potential in the best possible...
Bodies responsible
This section lists main bodies that are responsible for the implementation of the policy development or for its specific parts or activities, as indicated in the regulatory acts. The responsibilities are usually explained in its description.
Some companies refrain from creating an apprenticeship place. Other companies lack the time in their daily work to deal intensively with their apprentices. The number of training place and quality of the vocational education and training (VET) suffers as a result. Inter-company apprenticeship training (ÜLU) is one solution. The offer complements and supports the training provided by the companies. In this way, the motivation of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to offer training...
Description
What/How/Who/For whom/When of the policy development in detail, explaining its activities and annual progress, main actors and target groups.
The Federal Government provides subsidies of around EUR 50 million annually for the inter-company apprenticeship training (ÜLU), making a contribution to the course and accommodation costs for apprentices from the second year of training onwards. The current funding guidelines allow a subsidy of up to one third of the course costs and up to half of the accommodation costs. The assessment basis for the federal funding lump sums is based on the determined average cost rates of the courses. The...
Bodies responsible
This section lists main bodies that are responsible for the implementation of the policy development or for its specific parts or activities, as indicated in the regulatory acts. The responsibilities are usually explained in its description.
Federal Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK)
Federal Ministry of Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWi) (until December 2021)
Whereas part-time training used to be aimed almost exclusively at people with family responsibilities, the new model is developing from an exceptional solution for a small group of addressees into a design option for all apprentices. This flexible offer is an important building block to cope with the existing shortage of skilled workers.
Description
What/How/Who/For whom/When of the policy development in detail, explaining its activities and annual progress, main actors and target groups.
The amendment to the Vocational Training Act in 2020 (Section 7a BBiG), makes it possible to organise part-time vocational training individually in terms of time. In addition to single parents or individuals caring for family members, the option of part-time training is further opened up to additional groups. People with disabilities or refugees, for example, who want to or have to pursue gainful employment next to their training, can now also benefit from the option of part-time vocational...
Bodies responsible
This section lists main bodies that are responsible for the implementation of the policy development or for its specific parts or activities, as indicated in the regulatory acts. The responsibilities are usually explained in its description.
Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training (BIBB)
Objectives of the new funding guideline are integrating education platforms and services nationwide based on common standards, thereby supporting access to education. The National education platform project is embedded in the Digital education initiative where learning, teaching and training are improved across the entire education pathway so that all generations can move confidently in the digital world. The National education platform as a hub will support and professionalise the...
Description
What/How/Who/For whom/When of the policy development in detail, explaining its activities and annual progress, main actors and target groups.
In 2021, the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) is funding the first prototype of a technical infrastructure for a digital education platform. As a hub, it is intended to integrate existing and new digital education platforms into a nationwide platform system, providing every user with central access to education offers. The digital education area is based on common standards, formats and interoperable structures that are compatible with the rest of Europe in the sense of a...
Bodies responsible
This section lists main bodies that are responsible for the implementation of the policy development or for its specific parts or activities, as indicated in the regulatory acts. The responsibilities are usually explained in its description.
The aim of this programme is to support the municipalities to tackle urgent challenges in education: from digitalisation to the development of new cooperation and services, and to the expansion of promising education topics.
Description
What/How/Who/For whom/When of the policy development in detail, explaining its activities and annual progress, main actors and target groups.
With the ESF Plus education municipalities programme, the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) supports districts and independent cities in the further development of their education landscape. One thematic focus of the programme is the establishment of digital-analogue networked education landscapes for lifelong learning. Local education authorities also choose specific thematic priorities, for example, in the area of cultural education, democracy building/political education,...
Bodies responsible
This section lists main bodies that are responsible for the implementation of the policy development or for its specific parts or activities, as indicated in the regulatory acts. The responsibilities are usually explained in its description.
The support measures want to give more VET learners the opportunity to make an internship or part of their apprenticeship in another country. The aim of the measures is to provide young people with worldwide learning experiences in VET and thus to address the need of globally operating companies for skilled workers with international professional competence and at the same time to increase the attractiveness of VET.
Description
What/How/Who/For whom/When of the policy development in detail, explaining its activities and annual progress, main actors and target groups.
Outgoing mobility:
Erasmus+: as shown in the Study on Mobility (NA at BIBB, 2018), Erasmus+ funds about half of all outgoing mobilities of VET learners. Since 2015, Erasmus+ has also been promoting the internationalisation of VET learning venues through accreditation of vocational schools and companies for a simplified participation in the VET mobility programme.
VETworldwide: to expand IVET mobility outside the EU, BMBF and NA at BIBB initiated the programme...
Bodies responsible
This section lists main bodies that are responsible for the implementation of the policy development or for its specific parts or activities, as indicated in the regulatory acts. The responsibilities are usually explained in its description.
Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF)
Erasmus+ National Agency for VET (NA at BIBB)
Federal Ministry of Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWi) (until December 2021)
Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs (BMAS)
Federal Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK)
With the federal programme Securing apprenticeship placements, the Federal Government [Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF), Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs (BMAS), Federal Ministry of Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWi)] wants to support training companies in all sectors of the economy and training institutions in the health and social professions in the current difficult economic situation. It aims to motivate them to maintain their apprenticeship placements and...
Description
What/How/Who/For whom/When of the policy development in detail, explaining its activities and annual progress, main actors and target groups.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Federal Government (BMBF, BMAS, BMWi) decided on key measures to support apprenticeship and to secure skilled labour in June 2020 with a total funding budget of up to EUR 500 million. The first funding phase started in August 2020 (with retroactive improvements in December 2020) followed by the second funding phase from November 2020. The funding support covers the apprenticeship year 2020/21. The grants are paid via the employment agencies (BA).
The...
Bodies responsible
This section lists main bodies that are responsible for the implementation of the policy development or for its specific parts or activities, as indicated in the regulatory acts. The responsibilities are usually explained in its description.
Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF)
Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs (BMAS)
Federal Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK)
Federal Ministry of Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWi) (until December 2021)
The innovation programme INVITE aims at increasing participation in CVET by connecting existing learning platforms, improving the transparency and quality of digital CVET offers, and allowing a low-threshold, individual, modular approach, building on existing skills, in a secure digital environment.
Description
What/How/Who/For whom/When of the policy development in detail, explaining its activities and annual progress, main actors and target groups.
Starting point was the innovation competition INVITE, initiated by BMBF within the National skills strategy and is implemented by the Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Traiing (BIBB) with the support of an IT consulting company (VDI/VDE Innovation + Technik GmbH). The competition has had a two-stage structure (outlines: April-September 2020 / applications: January-March 2021). It addresses platform operators, continuing education providers, academic institutions...
Bodies responsible
This section lists main bodies that are responsible for the implementation of the policy development or for its specific parts or activities, as indicated in the regulatory acts. The responsibilities are usually explained in its description.
Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF)
Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training (BIBB)
The initiative Future starters (Zukunftsstarter) targets young people between 25 and 35 years old without initial vocational training and aims to attract 120 000 young adults to IVET between 2016 and 2020.
Description
What/How/Who/For whom/When of the policy development in detail, explaining its activities and annual progress, main actors and target groups.
The Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs (BMAS) and the Federal Employment Agency (BA) joint initiative to provide initial vocational training for young adults Training will be something - late starters wanted (AusBILDUNG wird was - Spätstarter gesucht) started in 2013 and was initially scheduled for 3 years, before being further developed and continued as Future Starters (Zukunftsstarter) from August 2016 to 2020. The programme has been extended until 2025. Based on the expanded...
Bodies responsible
This section lists main bodies that are responsible for the implementation of the policy development or for its specific parts or activities, as indicated in the regulatory acts. The responsibilities are usually explained in its description.
Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs (BMAS)
The aim is to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in filling open training places with suitable young people.
Description
What/How/Who/For whom/When of the policy development in detail, explaining its activities and annual progress, main actors and target groups.
The Perfect match programme (2015-20; funding volume per year: EUR 6 million including ESF funding) is designed to counteract matching problems on the training market. The programme is funded by the ESF and the Federal Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK) budget as well as financial participation of the economy. The German Confederation of Skilled Crafts (ZDH) is the lead agency for the implementation of the programme. The Perfect match programme supports advisors at the...
Bodies responsible
This section lists main bodies that are responsible for the implementation of the policy development or for its specific parts or activities, as indicated in the regulatory acts. The responsibilities are usually explained in its description.
Federal Ministry of Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWi) (until December 2021)
German Confederation of Skilled Crafts (ZDH)
Federal Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK)
Accelerating digitalisation in the training of skilled workers in inter-company training centres, especially for SMEs, with digital equipment and innovative training concepts.
Description
What/How/Who/For whom/When of the policy development in detail, explaining its activities and annual progress, main actors and target groups.
The Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) initiated the programme of promoting digitalisation in competence centres and inter-company training centres in 2016. The Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training (BIBB) has the task of supporting the planning, establishment and further development of inter-company vocational training centres (ÜBS). Inter-company training centres are meant to be learning places to include digital innovation for skilled workers. For this,...
Bodies responsible
This section lists main bodies that are responsible for the implementation of the policy development or for its specific parts or activities, as indicated in the regulatory acts. The responsibilities are usually explained in its description.
The aim of these funding programmes is to develop suitable support structures and advisory concepts for SMEs, enabling them to meet the new requirements of working and learning processes for the apprentices and employees associated with increasing digitalisation at an early stage and to anchor them sustainably in their regions.
Description
What/How/Who/For whom/When of the policy development in detail, explaining its activities and annual progress, main actors and target groups.
Under the umbrella initiative, VET 4.0, the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) initiated a special funding line (Initial and continuing vocational training in the economy 4.0 - Support structures for SMEs in the adaptation process of in-company training) within the JOBSTARTER plus programme, followed by a transfer period of successful projects. Under this funding line, regional projects were launched in 2017 with the aim of helping SMEs to meet, as early as possible, employee...
Bodies responsible
This section lists main bodies that are responsible for the implementation of the policy development or for its specific parts or activities, as indicated in the regulatory acts. The responsibilities are usually explained in its description.
Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF)
Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs (BMAS)
Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training (BIBB)
To improve the intercultural competences of trainers and thereby to enable them to work with refugees and newly arrived migrants.
Description
What/How/Who/For whom/When of the policy development in detail, explaining its activities and annual progress, main actors and target groups.
Following the enormous influx of refugees in 2015-16, BIBB expanded its support offer to trainers on developing intercultural competences and training refugees. Since 2016, diverse activities promoting the intercultural competences of in-company trainers were provided on the web portals Foraus.de (BIBB), Ueberaus.de (BIBB) and stark-fuer-ausbildung.de (Strong for apprenticeships, by the DIHK chambers association).
The project Qualiboxx was replaced in 2016 by the online platform Überaus...
Bodies responsible
This section lists main bodies that are responsible for the implementation of the policy development or for its specific parts or activities, as indicated in the regulatory acts. The responsibilities are usually explained in its description.
Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training (BIBB)
Association of German Chambers of Industry and Commerce (DIHK)
Central Office for Further Education in Skilled Crafts (ZWH e.V.)
North Rhine-Westphalia Ministry of Culture and Science (MKW)
In-company trainers need to be qualified to be up to the challenges of in-company training processes (regarding digitalisation, sustainability, demographic development, heterogeneity). BIBB monitors the up-to-date competences needed by trainers as well as the Ordinance on Trainer Aptitude (AEVO) and corresponding framework curriculum. Accordingly, the policy measures described below aimed at developing and providing (additional) qualifications for in-company trainers to improve their skills...
Description
What/How/Who/For whom/When of the policy development in detail, explaining its activities and annual progress, main actors and target groups.
Since 2015, BIBB has funded eighteen 'VET for sustainable development' projects (BBNE). They experimented and evaluated relevant curriculum concepts, digital teaching, learning materials and examination questions on green skills for initial and continuing VET, e.g. on energy saving and energy efficiency, carbon and water footprint, or thinking about resources.
In 2016, new funding guidelines also relevant for the continuing professional development (CPD) of trainers were covered in the...
Bodies responsible
This section lists main bodies that are responsible for the implementation of the policy development or for its specific parts or activities, as indicated in the regulatory acts. The responsibilities are usually explained in its description.
Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF)
Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training (BIBB)
The objective is to strengthen the culture of entrepreneurship in Germany and safeguard it for the future. To this end, the entrepreneurial thinking and acting of teachers should be fostered and developed so that they can transmit the entrepreneurial spirit further to the young people, who are particularly receptive to new ideas and want to make their ideas happen.
Description
What/How/Who/For whom/When of the policy development in detail, explaining its activities and annual progress, main actors and target groups.
A report commissioned by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs (BMWi, 2018) suggested further investing in education and training of teachers with the goal of increasing knowledge, appreciation of and enthusiasm for entrepreneurship education.
Bodies responsible
This section lists main bodies that are responsible for the implementation of the policy development or for its specific parts or activities, as indicated in the regulatory acts. The responsibilities are usually explained in its description.
Federal Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK)
Federal Ministry of Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWi) (until December 2021)
Update teachers' digital skills to respond to the increasing impact of digitalisation and industry 4.0.
Description
What/How/Who/For whom/When of the policy development in detail, explaining its activities and annual progress, main actors and target groups.
Under its Digital pact for schools programme (2019-24), the Federal Government aims to fund the digital infrastructure in all German schools, including vocational schools, to promote the uptake of digital skills. Vocational schools have been gradually provided with high-quality digital equipment including professional administration. This investment goes hand-in-hand with investment of Federal States, promoting digital competences of teachers and the development of new digital teaching...
Bodies responsible
This section lists main bodies that are responsible for the implementation of the policy development or for its specific parts or activities, as indicated in the regulatory acts. The responsibilities are usually explained in its description.
Federal States
Standing Conference of the Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs (KMK)
Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF)
German Research Centre for Artificial Intelligence (DFKI)
What/How/Who/For whom/When of the policy development in detail, explaining its activities and annual progress, main actors and target groups.
Education falls under the competence of the Federal States. In 2018, the education ministry of North-Rhine-Westphalia (NRW) launched a recruitment campaign to attract side entrants and career changers to teaching, including in VET schools, specifically targeting those able to teach subjects with particular teacher shortage:
machine technology,
electrical engineering,
social pedagogy,
health.
In principle, only trained teachers with a teaching degree from a university and who have...
Bodies responsible
This section lists main bodies that are responsible for the implementation of the policy development or for its specific parts or activities, as indicated in the regulatory acts. The responsibilities are usually explained in its description.
Federal States
Standing Conference of the Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs (KMK)
The quality initiative for teachers (Qualitätsoffensive Lehrerbildung, QLB) follows a comprehensive approach and aims to:
support teacher training from initial/pre-service training to continuing professional development;
make it more practice-oriented;
develop and adopt new teaching methods and use ICT/new media for teaching and learning;
help (future) teachers deal with heterogeneous target groups;
increase cooperation between the different actors in teacher training.
Description
What/How/Who/For whom/When of the policy development in detail, explaining its activities and annual progress, main actors and target groups.
The Federal Government and the federal states (represented by the Standing Conference of the Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs KMK) have launched a joint programme, the Quality initiative for teacher training (Qualitätsoffensive Lehrerbildung, QLB), a funding competition scheme to strengthen initial teacher preparation (ITP) and raise the attractiveness of teaching. In 2014 and 2015, higher education institutions involved in teacher training were invited to submit project proposals...
Bodies responsible
This section lists main bodies that are responsible for the implementation of the policy development or for its specific parts or activities, as indicated in the regulatory acts. The responsibilities are usually explained in its description.
Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF)
Federal States
Standing Conference of the Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs (KMK)
The strategy aims to support people who lack essential literacy skills and to anchor awareness of the issue sustainably in society and among stakeholders.
Description
What/How/Who/For whom/When of the policy development in detail, explaining its activities and annual progress, main actors and target groups.
In 2016, the national strategy for literacy and basic education for adults was followed by the Decade for literacy 2016-26, which provided EUR 180 million for the funding of related projects. A yearly monitoring report is published by AlphaDekade on behalf of the education ministry on the progress done. The first report covered the funding years 2016/17 (published in 2019).
The tasks of the AlphaDecade coordination office (BIBB) include the identification, conception and implementation of...
Bodies responsible
This section lists main bodies that are responsible for the implementation of the policy development or for its specific parts or activities, as indicated in the regulatory acts. The responsibilities are usually explained in its description.
Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF)
Federal States
Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training (BIBB)
Adapting vocational education and training (VET) to the rapid progress in digitalisation, allows graduates to gain the respective qualifications needed on the labour market and counteracts the challenge of skills mismatches and shortages.
Description
What/How/Who/For whom/When of the policy development in detail, explaining its activities and annual progress, main actors and target groups.
The preliminary examination of the potential restructuring of IT occupations carried out by the Federal Institute for VET (BIBB) in 2015-16 and the subsequent research initiative 'Skills, qualifications and competences for the digitised work of tomorrow' on 14 occupations (2016-18) touched upon developing key competences. Findings from the selected screening showed that the process of 'digital penetration' into training occupations occurred at different rates, depending on the company and on...
Bodies responsible
This section lists main bodies that are responsible for the implementation of the policy development or for its specific parts or activities, as indicated in the regulatory acts. The responsibilities are usually explained in its description.
Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training (BIBB)
The aim of promoting digital media and innovative technology in VET is to raise the potential for teaching and learning using digital media, promoting the acquisition of digital media competence among apprentices and trainers. This strengthens initial and continuing VET and ultimately makes it more attractive.
Description
What/How/Who/For whom/When of the policy development in detail, explaining its activities and annual progress, main actors and target groups.
The web portal, Digital media in VET,has provided information since 2015 on the use of digital media in VET and selected project findings. The portal offers a project database and map, including 222 projects in the following seven categories: didactics/methodology, learning in the work process, creation of content, learning location cooperation, competence assessment and documentation, mobile learning, and web 2.0.
The portal also features a selection of products developed by the funded...
Bodies responsible
This section lists main bodies that are responsible for the implementation of the policy development or for its specific parts or activities, as indicated in the regulatory acts. The responsibilities are usually explained in its description.
Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF)
Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training (BIBB)
What/How/Who/For whom/When of the policy development in detail, explaining its activities and annual progress, main actors and target groups.
Since 2016, in line with the national priority for improving the quality of learning abroad, tasks previously performed by the ECVET national contact point have been carried out by the Erasmus+ National Agency (NA at BIBB). Contact persons at the National Agency and a team of national ECVET experts are in place. Both the National Agency and ECVET experts focus on supporting VET institutions in the use of ECVET in Erasmus+ transnational mobility projects. Among other activities, training...
Bodies responsible
This section lists main bodies that are responsible for the implementation of the policy development or for its specific parts or activities, as indicated in the regulatory acts. The responsibilities are usually explained in its description.
The German qualifications framework (DQR) was developed to make the German education system more transparent. Referencing the DQR to the European qualifications framework (EQF) makes it easier to compare qualifications, in Europe and in Germany. This supports the mobility of learners and workers.
Description
What/How/Who/For whom/When of the policy development in detail, explaining its activities and annual progress, main actors and target groups.
In 2016, 21 qualifications from regulated further training were allocated to the DQR. The Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) commissioned a study on the use of the DQR by main target groups: learners, employees, employers, and education providers. The final report with recommendations for action was published in December 2016.
In 2017, for the first time, further vocational training qualifications were assigned to DQR levels 6 and 7. General education qualifications were...
Bodies responsible
This section lists main bodies that are responsible for the implementation of the policy development or for its specific parts or activities, as indicated in the regulatory acts. The responsibilities are usually explained in its description.
Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF)
Standing Conference of the Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs (KMK)
Federal Ministry of Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWi) (until December 2021)
Federal States
Federal Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK)
The facilitation of access to VET for university dropouts aims to bring together university dropouts and companies providing training places, especially SMEs to set up a central online information platform and counselling services at the main higher education institutions.
Description
What/How/Who/For whom/When of the policy development in detail, explaining its activities and annual progress, main actors and target groups.
The Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) has been supporting countrywide pilots to ease access to VET for university dropouts to address predicted shortages of skilled workers. The funding volume of support has amounted to EUR 16 million for 2014-20. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) received support in hiring more young people from the target group.
The initiative focusses on:
bringing together university dropouts and companies that provide training places,...
Bodies responsible
This section lists main bodies that are responsible for the implementation of the policy development or for its specific parts or activities, as indicated in the regulatory acts. The responsibilities are usually explained in its description.
The objectives of the Alliance for initial and further training are:
reducing the number of young people without school leaving certificate;
providing each person with a path leading to a VET qualification;
reducing the mismatch between applicants seeking apprenticeship places and companies offering them, and supporting the regional mobility of applicants;
strengthening further training, particularly advanced VET at tertiary level;
increasing the number of apprenticeship places and...
Description
What/How/Who/For whom/When of the policy development in detail, explaining its activities and annual progress, main actors and target groups.
The 2015-18 Alliance for initial and further training was agreed between the Federal Government, Federal States, business and industry, the unions and the Federal Employment Agency at the end of 2014.
Within the alliance, sectors committed to providing 20 000 places annually for introductory training (transition programme), which has been implemented: 17 500 young people took up this type of training in 2015 and 21 000 in 2018. Evaluations showed that around 70% of young people moved into...
Bodies responsible
This section lists main bodies that are responsible for the implementation of the policy development or for its specific parts or activities, as indicated in the regulatory acts. The responsibilities are usually explained in its description.
Federal Ministry of Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWi) (until December 2021)
Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs (BMAS)
Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF)
Federal Government Commissioner for Migration, Refugees and Integration
German Trade Union Confederation (DGB)
Association of German Chambers of Industry and Commerce (DIHK)
Confederation of German Employers' Associations (BDA)
Federation of German Industries (BDI)
German Confederation of Skilled Crafts (ZDH)
Federal association of liberal professions (BFB)
Federal Employment Agency (BA)
Federal States
Federal Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK)
The aim of these measures is to provide guidance for young people for initial VET as well as career counselling for adults throughout their working life
Description
What/How/Who/For whom/When of the policy development in detail, explaining its activities and annual progress, main actors and target groups.
Building upon the results of its pilot project Continuing education and training guidance, the Federal Employment Agency (Bundesagentur für Arbeit, BA) launched in 2017 a more comprehensive Lifelong vocational guidance project. The project targets both young people and adults. In 2018, it was piloted at four locations.
The Lifelong vocational guidance (Lebensbegleitende Berufsberatung, LBB) is based on the BA 2025 strategy of the employment service, which provides better support for...
Bodies responsible
This section lists main bodies that are responsible for the implementation of the policy development or for its specific parts or activities, as indicated in the regulatory acts. The responsibilities are usually explained in its description.
The aim of these measures is to provide guidance for adults throughout their working life.
Description
What/How/Who/For whom/When of the policy development in detail, explaining its activities and annual progress, main actors and target groups.
The Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) offers a telephone information and guidance service supporting individuals who are considering their further education and qualification options. The telephone guidance service started as a pilot project in 2015-16 to analyse demand for such a service and explore potential success factors in contextual situations in the different Federal States. It became a permanent service in 2017 with an annual funding of EUR 500 000. Since May 2018,...
Bodies responsible
This section lists main bodies that are responsible for the implementation of the policy development or for its specific parts or activities, as indicated in the regulatory acts. The responsibilities are usually explained in its description.
In view of the diversity of potential issues arising at the transition from school to work, it is all the more important that the various service providers (e.g. youth social work; VET guidance) coordinate their services with each other and provide joint support to the individual young person. This can prevent young people from being overwhelmed in dealing with the separate services or even getting lost on the way from one contact person to another. The two following initiatives are based on...
Description
What/How/Who/For whom/When of the policy development in detail, explaining its activities and annual progress, main actors and target groups.
To provide young people with the best possible one-stop support in the transition from school to work, local alliances known as youth employment agencies (JBA) have been established in many places since 2011 (first in Hamburg but ten years later widespread in Germany with more than 350 agencies). This is where the various players responsible for vocational guidance and social support coordinate their efforts at the regional and local level. The alliances that have been established vary...
Bodies responsible
This section lists main bodies that are responsible for the implementation of the policy development or for its specific parts or activities, as indicated in the regulatory acts. The responsibilities are usually explained in its description.
Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs (BMAS)
Federal Ministry of Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth (BMFSFJ)
Federal Employment Agency (BA)
Association of German Cities (Deutscher Städtetag)
German County Association (Deutscher Landkreistag, DLT)
Cooperation association for youth social work
Welfare umbrella organisation
Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training (BIBB)
The law on the nursing and care occupations aims to:
increase the attractiveness of care and nursing occupations and training by improving occupational conditions for nursing and care personnel;
retain staff in these fields in the long term.
A policy target of the Care and nursing training offensive is to increase the number of trainees in the nursing occupations by 10% by 2023.
Description
What/How/Who/For whom/When of the policy development in detail, explaining its activities and annual progress, main actors and target groups.
The Law to reform the care and nursing occupations (Pflegeberufsgesetz) was published on 24 July 2017. The initiative 'Concerted Action on Care' (Konzertierten Aktion Pflege - KAP) was launched on 3 July 2018, including the 'Care and nursing training offensive' (Ausbildungsoffensive Pflege) targeted at ensuring the successful implementation of the law (2019-23). Training in healthcare and nursing care occupations, which used to be separated in three areas (general, elderly and paediatrics),...
Bodies responsible
This section lists main bodies that are responsible for the implementation of the policy development or for its specific parts or activities, as indicated in the regulatory acts. The responsibilities are usually explained in its description.
Federal Ministry of Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth (BMFSFJ)
Federal Ministry of Health (BMG)
Federal States
Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training (BIBB)
The aim of the measure is to inform and network all those involved in career orientation processes to enable young people to choose a career and course of study based on their individual strengths and interests, free from gender stereotypes.
Description
What/How/Who/For whom/When of the policy development in detail, explaining its activities and annual progress, main actors and target groups.
Since December 2016, a dedicated website informs and supports young people in their career choice free from gender clichés; it also serves all actors involved in career guidance processes (schools, parents, companies). Support tools include fact sheets, best practice examples, guidance, working materials, event announcements and news, further links and contacts.
Responsible stakeholders for this initiative on the Federal and Federal State levels are the Ministries of Family Affairs, Senior...
Bodies responsible
This section lists main bodies that are responsible for the implementation of the policy development or for its specific parts or activities, as indicated in the regulatory acts. The responsibilities are usually explained in its description.
Federal Ministry of Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth (BMFSFJ)
Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF)
Competence Centre Technology-Diversity-Equal Opportunities e. V. (kompetenzz)
Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training (BIBB)
The aim of the measure is to develop sustainability-relevant skills of apprentices and training personnel and to disseminate knowledge on how to design sustainable in-company learning places.
Description
What/How/Who/For whom/When of the policy development in detail, explaining its activities and annual progress, main actors and target groups.
In 2015, the Federal Institute for VET (BIBB) started 12 pilot projects in VET aiming to ensure a sustainable development (Berufsbildung für nachhaltige Entwicklung BBNE). With the EUR 12 million budget, the projects intend to develop vocational competences in sustainability. Until 2021, they will be experimenting and evaluating relevant curriculum concepts, digital teaching, learning materials and examination questions for initial and continuing VET. These projects will lead - amongst...
Bodies responsible
This section lists main bodies that are responsible for the implementation of the policy development or for its specific parts or activities, as indicated in the regulatory acts. The responsibilities are usually explained in its description.
Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF)
Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training (BIBB)
The goals of InnoVET are to increase the attractiveness, quality and equivalence of VET as well as to initiate new learning location collaborations.
Description
What/How/Who/For whom/When of the policy development in detail, explaining its activities and annual progress, main actors and target groups.
In January 2019, the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) launched the project Shaping the future - innovations for excellent vocational training (InnoVET) and ran the first call. It invited projects targeted at increasing the attractiveness, quality and equivalence of VET through innovation and excellence, with a focus on higher VET.
Proposals were expected to put emphasis on:
innovative training, especially above DQR level 5, geared to the needs of companies and providing...
Bodies responsible
This section lists main bodies that are responsible for the implementation of the policy development or for its specific parts or activities, as indicated in the regulatory acts. The responsibilities are usually explained in its description.
Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF)
Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training (BIBB)
VET 4.0 aims to contribute to the implementation of the digital agenda through continuous exchange of information between academia, policy-making and practice. The outcomes will determine the changes needed for appropriate qualification profiles, training regulations and curricula.
Description
What/How/Who/For whom/When of the policy development in detail, explaining its activities and annual progress, main actors and target groups.
The Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF), in cooperation with the Federal Institute for VET (BIBB), started the initiative VET 4.0 for the period from February 2016 to April 2018. The initiative is based on three pillars.
Pillar 1: occupation and sector screening. The focus was on the analysis of selected training occupations, advanced training regulations and sectors, already partially or fully affected by digital transformation. The goal was to develop recommendations for...
Bodies responsible
This section lists main bodies that are responsible for the implementation of the policy development or for its specific parts or activities, as indicated in the regulatory acts. The responsibilities are usually explained in its description.
Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF)
Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training (BIBB)
The amendment of the Vocational Training Act aims to modernise and strengthen vocational education and training (VET) by making it more attractive, permeable, flexible, transparent and equivalent to academic education. Another aim is to introduce minimum remuneration for apprentices and more opportunities for part-time vocational training.
Description
What/How/Who/For whom/When of the policy development in detail, explaining its activities and annual progress, main actors and target groups.
The legislative process for amending the Vocational Training Act started in November 2018. Several key changes to be introduced:
Introducing a minimum training wage for apprentices.
Apprentices starting their training in 2020 will receive a minimum wage of EUR 515 per month. This will increase by 18% in the second year of training and by 35% (based on the first year) in the third year. For apprenticeships starting in 2021, the minimum wage will be EUR 550 in the first year of training, for...
Bodies responsible
This section lists main bodies that are responsible for the implementation of the policy development or for its specific parts or activities, as indicated in the regulatory acts. The responsibilities are usually explained in its description.
Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF)
Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training (BIBB)
As part of the ‘skilled workers strategy’ of the Federal government, the aim of the law is to facilitate the immigration of skilled professionals, to ease their access to the labour market and to offer good prospects to specialised staff from non-EU countries.
Description
What/How/Who/For whom/When of the policy development in detail, explaining its activities and annual progress, main actors and target groups.
Drafted in December 2018, the Skilled Labour Immigration Act features the following:
access for specialised staff from non-EU countries, along with recognised vocational training for all occupations, without restriction for bottleneck occupations;
measures for the recognition of foreign professional qualifications become more attractive and practical, including quicker, closer counselling;
immigration for job search also for skilled workers with recognised vocational training and the...
Bodies responsible
This section lists main bodies that are responsible for the implementation of the policy development or for its specific parts or activities, as indicated in the regulatory acts. The responsibilities are usually explained in its description.
Federal Ministry of the Interior, Building and Community (BMI) (until December 2021)
Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF)
Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs (BMAS)
Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training (BIBB)
Federal Employment Agency (BA)
Federal Ministry of the Interior and Community (BMI)
Integrating people with a migration background including refugees into the labour market and the education and VET system is a priority. Key to integration are the learning of the German language, validation of skills and competences acquired in formal, non-formal and informal settings, provision of vocational guidance, and access to pre-VET and VET programmes, apprenticeships, upskilling measures and employment.
Description
What/How/Who/For whom/When of the policy development in detail, explaining its activities and annual progress, main actors and target groups.
Since 2015, in line with the federal ESF integration guideline, the IvAF integration programme (Integration of asylum seekers and refugees) has contributed to the sustainable integration of asylum seekers, asylum applicants and refugees in training and employment through comprehensive counselling including qualification, placement and support provided during the first weeks of employment or training. The networks act as door-openers for the target group in companies and vocational schools,...
Bodies responsible
This section lists main bodies that are responsible for the implementation of the policy development or for its specific parts or activities, as indicated in the regulatory acts. The responsibilities are usually explained in its description.
Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF)
Federal Employment Agency (BA)
Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF)
Federal Ministry of Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWi) (until December 2021)
Federal Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK)
Federal Ministry of the Interior, Building and Community (BMI) (until December 2021)
German Confederation of Skilled Crafts (ZDH)
Association of German Chambers of Industry and Commerce (DIHK)
Federal Ministry of the Interior and Community (BMI)
Partial qualifications can be a subsequent path to a qualification for the target group of low-skilled adults (older than 25 years) and thus a perspective for qualified employment.
Description
What/How/Who/For whom/When of the policy development in detail, explaining its activities and annual progress, main actors and target groups.
Partial qualifications (Teilqualifikationen, TQ) are educational offers, which allow learners to gain vocational qualifications through systematic, successive qualifications based on the dual training regulations. Once the total of the partial qualifications is completed, the learner can take an examination for external candidates. The work on procedures for certifications and the development of training modules is continuing. There are several current projects on TQ, including:
the...
Bodies responsible
This section lists main bodies that are responsible for the implementation of the policy development or for its specific parts or activities, as indicated in the regulatory acts. The responsibilities are usually explained in its description.
Chambers of industry and commerce (IHKs)
Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF)
Federal Employment Agency (BA)
Confederation of German Employers' Associations (BDA)
Association of the Educational Organisations of German Business (ADBW)
The National Skills Strategy (Nationale Weiterbildungsstrategie NWS) aims at the sustainable promotion of employability in the changing world of work, strengthening the skilled worker base and facilitating career advancement for broad sections of the population. The overall goal of the strategy is to create a new culture by understanding occupational CVET as a lifelong necessity.
Description
What/How/Who/For whom/When of the policy development in detail, explaining its activities and annual progress, main actors and target groups.
In November 2018, the Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs (BMAS) and the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) launched a committee to develop a National continuing education strategy (Nationale Weiterbildungsstrategie). The social partners were part of the committee which was expected to formulate answers to the digital change in the world of work. The focus should be on SMEs, micro enterprises and people in need of help to increase their opportunities on the labour...
Bodies responsible
This section lists main bodies that are responsible for the implementation of the policy development or for its specific parts or activities, as indicated in the regulatory acts. The responsibilities are usually explained in its description.
Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF)
Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs (BMAS)
Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training (BIBB)
Amended legal acts relating to continuing vocational education and training (CVET) and advanced vocational training aim to:
open access to CVET funding regardless of qualifications, age or company size, if there is need for CVET because of digital structural change or structural change in any other way;
expand funding to acquisition of advanced vocational qualifications, making VET more attractive throughout career pathways and meeting the growing need for highly qualified skilled...
Description
What/How/Who/For whom/When of the policy development in detail, explaining its activities and annual progress, main actors and target groups.
In 2016, the legislation promoting further training (AWStG) was amended. It improved the financial conditions, under which the low-qualified, the long-term unemployed and older workers could access CVET, in particular through allowances during training and financial incentives for passing exams.
On 18 December 2018, the Qualification Opportunities Act (Qualifizierungschancengesetz) was adopted, and came into force on 1 January 2019. The act introduced the right of people in employment to...
Bodies responsible
This section lists main bodies that are responsible for the implementation of the policy development or for its specific parts or activities, as indicated in the regulatory acts. The responsibilities are usually explained in its description.
Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs (BMAS)
The objective of validation and recognition are:
to promote the validation of non-formally and informally acquired skills for people without (recognised) vocational qualification and expand any necessary adaptation qualifications, thus increasing skills visibility and opportunities for applicants on the job market;
ultimately, to set up a nationwide uniform validation system;
to simplify and accelerate the recognition of foreign formal vocational qualifications.
Description
What/How/Who/For whom/When of the policy development in detail, explaining its activities and annual progress, main actors and target groups.
The ValiKom project aims to promote the validation of non-formally and informally acquired skills in Germany and was initiated by the German Confederation of Skilled Crafts (DHKT) and the German Chambers of Commerce and Industry (DIHK), together with the Federal Ministry for Education and Research (BMBF). ValiKom is considered a reference project for setting up a validation system in Germany. It addresses adults who acquired skills and competences through work but lack a formal...
Bodies responsible
This section lists main bodies that are responsible for the implementation of the policy development or for its specific parts or activities, as indicated in the regulatory acts. The responsibilities are usually explained in its description.
Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF)
Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training (BIBB)
Association of German Chambers of Industry and Commerce (DIHK)
Central Office for Further Education in Skilled Crafts (ZWH e.V.)
German Confederation of Chambers of Skilled Crafts (DHKT)
West German Association of Chambers of Skilled Crafts (WHKT)
The final goal of standard support instruments (Social Code, SGB III) in the transition from school to work and of the the policy programme Educational chains is the completion of a qualification by all young people by supporting them in the following fields:
obtaining a general school leaving certificate;
making the transition from school to training;
completing a full VET qualification successfully.
Description
What/How/Who/For whom/When of the policy development in detail, explaining its activities and annual progress, main actors and target groups.
Nationwide standard support measures anchored in the Social Code (e.g. SGB III) cover the transition from school to work, for example with various forms of vocational preparation and continuous support during training. The main measures are: vocational orientation, training entry and placement support, introductory training (internship placement), vocational preparatory measures, assistance during training and vocational training grant.
In 2016, measures within the Educational chains...
Bodies responsible
This section lists main bodies that are responsible for the implementation of the policy development or for its specific parts or activities, as indicated in the regulatory acts. The responsibilities are usually explained in its description.
Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF)
Federal States
Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training (BIBB)
Federal Employment Agency (BA)
Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs (BMAS)
Federal Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK)
The BIBB Data report contributes to monitoring of the VET system by the use of indicators and the anticipation of training needs based on skills assessments, skills forecasts, and various studies and surveys among employees and employers. It´s an important tool for evidence-based VET policy.
Description
What/How/Who/For whom/When of the policy development in detail, explaining its activities and annual progress, main actors and target groups.
BIBB annual Data reports supplement the VET report published each year by the Federal Ministry for Education and Research (BMBF) by providing additional in-depth information and analysis on the current situation and the newest developments in VET. The reports have a yearly special focus:
2015: Matching problems in VET and their consequences on the future labour market,
2016: University dropouts for apprenticeship,
2017: Refugees their qualification status, their present and future...
Bodies responsible
This section lists main bodies that are responsible for the implementation of the policy development or for its specific parts or activities, as indicated in the regulatory acts. The responsibilities are usually explained in its description.
Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training (BIBB)
What/How/Who/For whom/When of the policy development in detail, explaining its activities and annual progress, main actors and target groups.
The online platform wbmonitor, operated by BIBB and the German Institute for Adult Education (DIE), conducts a yearly survey of public and private CVET providers. The surveys have a yearly focus and monitor labour market developments and helps identify training needs. The platform also publishes a Continuing training survey climate index.
Bodies responsible
This section lists main bodies that are responsible for the implementation of the policy development or for its specific parts or activities, as indicated in the regulatory acts. The responsibilities are usually explained in its description.
Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training (BIBB)
The aim of the ASCOT + initiative is to support professional learning and to develop further the examination system.
Description
What/How/Who/For whom/When of the policy development in detail, explaining its activities and annual progress, main actors and target groups.
The ASCOT+ initiative (2019-22) focuses on measuring the achievements of apprentices more objectively and further developing competence-oriented examinations. This includes digital teaching-learning media, virtual simulations in exams, computer-controlled test formats and workflows to increase the objectivity of exams. The initiative will also support regulatory work in reviewing training regulations. With its IT-supported and competence-oriented measuring system it complements the VET 4.0...
Bodies responsible
This section lists main bodies that are responsible for the implementation of the policy development or for its specific parts or activities, as indicated in the regulatory acts. The responsibilities are usually explained in its description.
Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF)
Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training (BIBB)
Securing the future skilled workforce by promoting VET.
Description
What/How/Who/For whom/When of the policy development in detail, explaining its activities and annual progress, main actors and target groups.
Given the increasing trend towards academic education, the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) and the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs (BMWi) have set up a joint campaign to present dual VET (apprenticeship) as an attractive option. The campaign, You + your apprenticeship - Practically unbeatable! addresses more specific target groups. Its allocated budget is EUR 6 million per year. A motivational message is broadcast through various media channels such as cinema, press,...
Bodies responsible
This section lists main bodies that are responsible for the implementation of the policy development or for its specific parts or activities, as indicated in the regulatory acts. The responsibilities are usually explained in its description.
Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF)
Federal Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK)
Federal Ministry of Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWi) (until December 2021)
Chambers of industry and commerce (IHKs)
German Confederation of Skilled Crafts (ZDH)
Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training (BIBB)
With the Pact for VET, BMBF is bringing together its diverse activities and initiatives for the development of a modern, attractive and dynamic VET to form an overall strategy, which increases visibility and esteem of VET pathways in public opinion.
Description
What/How/Who/For whom/When of the policy development in detail, explaining its activities and annual progress, main actors and target groups.
The Pact for VET (Der Berufsbildungspakt) includes the following measures, partly addressing work-based learning:
modernising the framework conditions of VET, particularly in view of digitalisation;
improving permeability and transparency through provision of vocational guidance, designating equivalent qualifications and improved progression opportunities;
modernising infrastructure in VET schools and training centres, particularly in view of digitalisation;
continuing professional...
Bodies responsible
This section lists main bodies that are responsible for the implementation of the policy development or for its specific parts or activities, as indicated in the regulatory acts. The responsibilities are usually explained in its description.
The updating and restructuring of training occupations ensures the competitiveness of dual training in Germany. Training regulations are revised at regular intervals and new ones are created, if needed, so that qualifications meet the current demands of the economy, policy and society.
Description
What/How/Who/For whom/When of the policy development in detail, explaining its activities and annual progress, main actors and target groups.
The regulated qualifications of apprenticeships and advanced training occupations are based on examinations with nationwide uniform examination regulations. The training regulations and the learning fields of the school-based part of dual VET that are coordinated with them are oriented to company work and business processes. They therefore ensure that the vocational qualifications are highly relevant to the labour market. The design of the training content for the creation of new or updating...
Bodies responsible
This section lists main bodies that are responsible for the implementation of the policy development or for its specific parts or activities, as indicated in the regulatory acts. The responsibilities are usually explained in its description.
Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training (BIBB)
