Master's level vocational education and training

177 successful graduates of professional development training from the Lower Franconia Chamber of Crafts and Trades (HWK) have earned diplomas. The Chamber announced that 36 of them were also awarded the Bavarian state government's master craftsman prize.

"They are part of the future of our state, part of enterprise," commented Hugo Neugebauer, Chamber President, according to information supplied. He added that the skilled crafts certainly do require ongoing policy direction, as was the case in March 2016.

The advanced vocational education and training of 'Certified Business Economist under the Crafts and Trades Regulation Code' has been classified under level 7 of the German qualification framework - which is equivalent to the completion of a Master's degree.

Neugebauer commented, "I am very pleased that the equivalence of vocational and academic education and training is now cemented within the German qualification Framework". The fact that the unemployment risk for professional development training graduates was less than that for academics was confirmed by Dirk Mahlberg, Ministerial Councillor.

A total of 177 successful students have achieved qualifications as Business Economist (HWK), Certified Business Economist under the Crafts and Trades Regulation Code (HwO), Commercial Business Administrator (HWK) and Business or Commercial Computer Scientist at the Academy for Business Management.

36 graduates also received the master craftsman prize from the Bavarian state government for their excellent results in continuing education and training. All of those being recognized completed their training on a part-time basis.