German-Italian cooperation in vocational education and training is taking concrete shape. At its inaugural meeting in Bologna, a bilateral working group resolved the joint development and implementation of a total of five projects in the fields of mechatronics, renewable energies and transport and logistics.

German enterprises abroad often encounter catastrophic standards as regards vocational education and training. By now, they choose to ensure early training of their young talent at their production sites in Asia, Eastern Europe and the USA by providing training themselves.

Working on behalf of the Federal Government and acting in conjunction with the social partners and with experts from the field of company practice, the Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training (BIBB) has now updated the regulations governing the three-and-a-half years of training in the occupation "plant technologist".

BIBB survey amongst vocational education and training experts

The Internationale Handwerksmesse München (International Trade Fair for the Crafts) provided the venue for awarding the Federal Award for Outstanding Innovative Performances for the Crafts.

On 1 April 2013, the Federal Government Recognition Act has been in force for a year. Against the background of the objectives of the Act and the experiences gained from the implementation and application of the new law, the specialist ministry responsible believes that the initial conclusions which can be drawn are positive.

A record at German universities: some 2.5 million students currently are enrolled. At the same time, current data shows that an increasing number of pupils graduating with a university entrance qualification decide against going to university and choose an apprenticeship instead.

Roofing apprentice from Monreal, Federal State of Rhineland-Palatinate, elected "Miss Crafts 2013"