- 2017Implementation
- 2018Implementation
- 2019Implementation
- 2020Implementation
- 2021Implementation
- 2022Implementation
- 2023Implementation
- 2024Implementation
Background
Since 2006, the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) has been funding projects through the programmes JOBSTARTER (2006-13), JOBSTARTER CONNECT (2009-14) and JOBSTARTER plus (since 2014). The funding guidelines for the individual funding announcements set different thematic priorities, each of which is adapted to the current challenges on the training market. The funding period 2017-20 focused on digitalisation, followed by a transfer period of successful projects. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) need to adapt to the increasing demand of automatisation and digitalisation of the labour market. They often need external assistance to adapt the initial and continuing VET they provide.
Objectives
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 (also with regard to quality assurance) for the apprentices and employees associated with increasing digitalisation at an early stage and to anchor them sustainably in their regions.
Description
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 requirements associated with the digital transformation process. With these projects, SMEs receive support to develop further their dual training (IVET), especially for methodical and didactic aspects. All JOBSTARTER programmes have been implemented by the Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training (BIBB).
Since 2019, the Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs (BMAS; with ESF co-funding) has been funding 'Future centres' supporting SMEs and their employees in future-proofing their working and learning processes through customised advisory concepts as well as the development and testing of innovative qualification concepts with a focus on CVET.
26 projects of the special funding round JOBSTARTER plus for SMEs and digitalisation were planned to start in the period from December 2019 to August 2020. The projects provide guidance to SMEs in the areas of training marketing 4.0, the implementation of new or updated training regulations, the provision of basic skills for digitalisation and the provision of additional qualifications. The 26 projects are spread across 12 Federal States and are implemented by training providers, chambers and chamber-related institutions, sector-related actors, municipal institutions or business development agencies and universities.
In 2020, a total of 171 projects (costing around EUR 16.4 million) were funded. The following is a selection of significant JOBSTARTER plus activities:
- a new film illustrates how JOBSTARTER plus projects support SMEs in their search for apprentices, using the example of the Training now funded project. Regional partners explain how the project provides SMEs with advice and support during the fifth round of JOBSTARTER plus funding;
- JOBSTARTER plus organised between May and July 2020 a survey among 844 SMEs on the effects of the pandemic on apprenticeship and the support needed;
- two new brochures were published (see sources): in October 2020, the brochure JOBSTARTER plus strengthens apprenticeships, and in March 2020, the brochure Apprentices for Economy 4.0 - Fifth funding phase JOBSTARTER plus;
- during a virtual status conference on 6-7 October 2020, 500 participants followed panel discussions and expert forums on experiences and insights from six years of JOBSTARTER plus;
- new funding guidelines were published in July 2020 on the sustainable transfer of pilot projects;
- a practical guide on how to encourage SMEs to train apprentices was published in February 2020.
Within the funding programme 'Future Centres' (BMAS/ESF) supporting SMEs with CVET provision, the 'House of the Self-Employed' started operations in mid-2020. The House aims to strengthen the design competence of solo self-employed in the digital transformation. It also supports the establishment of interest groups and promotes self-regulatory procedures that are suitable for improving the remuneration situation and working conditions of solo self-employed and platform employees.
The following is a selection of significant JOBSTARTER plus activities for 2021:
- on 31 December 2021, the term of the last 27 projects of the 4th funding round of JOBSTARTER plus ended. A total of 39 projects benefited from the support for 5 182 small and micro enterprises from 1 July 2018 to 31 December 2021. During this time, 605 apprenticeship places and 473 internship and entry-level qualification places were filled;
- the results of the second JOBSTARTER plus survey were published;
- the JOBSTARTER plus transfer funding round started, with six projects set up since 1 July;
- new publications were issued: a revised and updated Dropping out of studies, [56]; the JOBSTARTER plus brochure was reprinted; Advising companies digitally - service for vocational apprenticeship; Work aid for guidance staff with ideas from virtual practice; a flyer on 'Verbundausbildung' (collaborative apprenticeship).
Within the funding programme 'Future centres', new 'Regional Future Centres' in West Germany as well as the 'AI Knowledge and Further Education Centre' were launched in the 2nd quarter of 2021 in West Germany.
Until end of December 2022, hundreds of projects have been funded in five funding rounds in the JOBSTARTER plus programme; the fifth round focussed on initial and further training in the economy 4.0. Eleven transfer projects were funded in total, five of them from January 2022 until mid-2023. They transferred successful JOBSTARTER PLUS instruments, materials, concepts, formats and experiences to encourage small and micro-enterprises to get involved in VET in other regions and industries.
The 'Regional Future Centres' continued their work all over Germany in 2022.
From 2014 to 2023, the JOBSTARTER plus programme funded projects that used innovative concepts to develop possible solutions for challenges relating to dual vocational training and also contributed to structural development of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Over 240 projects were launched in total (the last nine transfer projects ended in June 2023). Support for SMEs was at the centre of the funding. The projects worked to ensure that companies continue to offer their apprenticeship places, create additional training places and find suitable apprentices. They used the External Training Management (EXAM) programme developed by JOBSTARTER.
Further, BMAS and ESF were funding Future Centres, which support and enable companies and their employees as well as the self-employed to adapt to demographic, digital and ecological change, for example with innovative CVET qualification concepts (such as on AI). Twelve regional Future centres, a House of the self-employed and a coordinating Centre for the future of work are part of the programme. The 14 selected project networks were launched at the beginning of 2023 and will run until the end of 2026.
The Perfect Match programme (BMBF) aims at counteracting matching problems on the training market. It finances advisors at the chambers of industry and commerce, skilled crafts, liberal professions and other business organisations. The funding priorities were adapted to the needs of SMEs. For further information on this programme read the description of the related policy development.
DEQA-VET at BIBB published brochures on central quality assurance mechanisms which underlie the company-based part of initial training in the dual system in Germany. DEQA-VET is also monitoring the consequences of the digital transformation for standards and elements of quality assurance in VET. In 2023, DEQA-VET published a systematic inventory of quality initiatives in dual VET by the chambers of skilled trades and the chambers of industry and commerce, addressing particularly SMEs.
As from 2024, the Perfect Match and the Welcome Guides programmes have been merged, adding up to 140 chamber guides supporting companies in filling their vacant training places with suitable young people from Germany, abroad or with a refugee background. The new directive of this programme applies from January 2024 until end of 2027.
Practical guides for training SMEs on different topics can be downloaded from the BIBB website on JOBSTARTER programmes as well as a compilation of all JOBSTARTER plus projects. The f-bb research institute for VET published its in-process evaluation of the JOBSTARTER plus transfer projects in 2024: 'Strengthening the readiness of companies to provide training: How the transfer of educational innovations can succeed - Working aid for transfer practice'.
With the initiative 'JOBvision - train. qualify. shape.', the BMBF was strengthening the attractiveness of dual vocational training and counteracting the shortage of skilled labour. The initiative supports SMEs in particular, especially micro-enterprises, which often have difficulties finding and retaining suitable apprentices. The BMBF focuses on needs- and future-orientated support for SMEs so that companies can get more young people interested in training and recruit them as skilled workers for their companies. The JOBvision initiative started on 31 July 2024 with the funding announcement 'TRAFO - Promoting Transformation'. Applications could be submitted until 31 October 2024.
The 14 projects selected for the first funding priority of the Future Centres funding programme (Promotion of sustainable and high-quality employment, start-ups and entrepreneurship as well as adaptation to change) continued their activities. Under the title 'Artificial Intelligence - Shaping the Future of Work: Participatory introduction of AI in SMEs', the second Annual Conference of the 'Future Centres' took place on 19 November 2024.
Bodies responsible
- Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF)
- Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs (BMAS)
- Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training (BIBB)
- European Social Fund (ESF)
Target groups
Entities providing VET
- Companies
- Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)
Thematic categories
Modernising VET offer and delivery
This thematic category looks at what and how individuals learn, how learning content and learning outcomes in initial and continuing VET are defined, adapted and updated. First and foremost, it examines how VET standards, curricula, programmes and training courses are updated and modernised or new ones created. Updated and renewed VET content ensures that learners acquire a balanced mix of competences that address modern demands, and are more closely aligned with the realities of the labour market, including key competences, digital competences and skills for green transition and sustainability, both sector-specific and across sectors. Using learning outcomes as a basis is important to facilitate this modernisation, including modularisation of VET programmes. Updating and developing teaching and learning materials to support the above is also part of the category.
The thematic category continues to focus on strengthening high-quality and inclusive apprenticeships and work-based learning in real-life work environments and in line with the European framework for quality and effective apprenticeships. It looks at expanding apprenticeship to continuing vocational training and at developing VET programmes at EQF levels 5-8 for better permeability and lifelong learning and to support the need for higher vocational skills.
This thematic category also focuses on VET delivery through a mix of open, digital and participative learning environments, including workplaces conducive to learning, which are flexible, more adaptable to the ways individuals learn, and provide more access and outreach to various groups of learners, diversifying modes of learning and exploiting the potential of digital learning solutions and blended learning to complement face-to-face learning.
Centres of vocational excellence that connect VET to innovation and skill ecosystems and facilitate stronger cooperation with business and research also fall into this category.
This thematic sub-category covers all developments related to work-based learning (WBL) elements in VET programmes and apprenticeships which continue to be important in the policy agenda. It includes measures to stabilise the offer of apprenticeships, the implementation of the European framework for quality and effective apprenticeships, and using the EU on-demand support services and policy learning initiatives among the Member States. It also covers further expansion of apprenticeships and WBL to continuing VET (CVET), for transition to work and inclusion of vulnerable groups, and for improving citizens’ qualification levels.
Supporting lifelong learning culture and increasing participation
Lifelong learning refers to all learning (formal, non-formal or informal) taking place at all stages in life and resulting in an improvement or update in knowledge, skills, competences and attitudes or in participation in society from a personal, civic, cultural, social or employment-related perspective (Erasmus+, Glossary of terms, https://erasmus-plus.ec.europa.eu/programme-guide/part-d/glossary-common-terms). A systemic approach to CVET is crucial to ensure adaptability to evolving demands.
This broad thematic category looks at ways of creating opportunities and ensuring access to re-skilling and upskilling pathways, allowing individuals to progress smoothly in their learning throughout their lives with better permeability between general and vocational education and training, and better integration and compatibility between initial and continuing VET and with higher education. Individuals should be supported in acquiring and updating their skills and competences and navigating easily through education and training systems. Strategies and campaigns that promote VET and LLL as an attractive and high-quality pathway, providing quality lifelong guidance and tailored support to design learning and career paths, and various incentives (financial and non-financial) to attract and support participation in VET and LLL fall into this thematic category as well.
This thematic category also includes many initiatives on making VET inclusive and ensuring equal education and training opportunities for various groups of learners, regardless of their personal and economic background and place of residence – especially those at risk of disadvantage or exclusion, such as persons with disabilities, the low-skilled and low-qualified, minorities, migrants, refugees and others.
This thematic sub-category refers to initiatives that promote VET and lifelong learning implemented at any level and by any stakeholder. It also covers measures to ensure and broaden access to information about VET to various target groups, including targeted information and promotional campaigns (e.g. for parents, adult learners, vulnerable groups). Among others, it includes national skill competitions and fairs organised to attract learners to VET.
This thematic sub-category refers to all kinds of incentives that encourage learners to take part in VET and lifelong learning; VET providers to improve, broaden and update their offer; companies to provide places for apprenticeship and work-based learning, and to stimulate and support learning of their employees. It also includes measures addressing specific challenges of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) willing to create work-based learning opportunities in different sectors. Incentives can be financial (e.g. grants, allowances, tax incentives, levy/grant mechanisms, vouchers, training credits, individual learning accounts) and non-financial (e.g. information/advice on funding opportunities, technical support, mentoring).
This thematic sub-category refers to providing the possibility for individuals who are already in the labour market/in employment to reskill and/or acquire higher levels of skills, and to ensuring targeted information resources on the benefits of CVET and lifelong learning. It also covers the availability of CVET programmes adaptable to labour market, sectoral or individual up- and reskilling needs. The sub-category includes working with respective stakeholders to develop digital learning solutions supporting access to CVET opportunities and awarding CVET credentials and certificates.
European priorities in VET
VET Recommendation
- VET agile in adapting to labour market challenges
- VET underpinned by a culture of quality assurance
Osnabrück Declaration
- Resilience and excellence through quality, inclusive and flexible VET
Subsystem
Further reading
Country
Type of development
Cedefop, & ReferNet. (2025). Supporting SMEs to provide future-proof VET: Germany. In Cedefop, & ReferNet. (2025). Timeline of VET policies in Europe (2024 update) [Online tool].
https://www.cedefop.europa.eu/en/tools/timeline-vet-policies-europe/search/28149