Meeting of the German-Turkish working group on vocational training

The German-Turkish working group on vocational training met for the sixth time under the leadership of the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) and the Turkish Ministry of Education (M.E.B.). The meeting took place in Berlin from February 6th to 9th, 2012.

The Turkish party consisted of representatives from the M.E.B. and the Turkish embassy. The German party included representatives from the BMBF, the Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training (BIBB), the BMBF's International Bureau and iMOVE. Experts from the field of mechatronics were also invited.

The participants exchanged information regarding the current developments in education policy. The German recognition law was met with particular interest on part of the guests.

Another focal issue was the development of the mechatronics curriculum. It was only recently that Turkey reformed its vocational training standards and now the country hopes a joint project with Germany will provide help in implementing "dual content" in its curriculum and within the businesses. This may also provide opportunities for private service providers, for instance, as regards training the trainers.

Upon conclusion of the first day of the meeting, the BMBF hosted an evening reception. Guests included also representatives from enterprises providing vocational training and continuing education. Kornelia Haugg, Head of Department at the BMBF, emphasised the great significance of the German-Turkish relations and said she was looking forward to good results being achieved by the cooperation.

At the end of the working group meeting, the BMBF and the M.E.B. signed a joint declaration of intent.

At the centre of attention within the cooperation between Germany and Turkey is a joint project in the field of vocational training for mechatronics fitters in Turkey.

The subsequent visitors' programme was to demonstrate to the visitors the practical aspects of the dual system. The vocational training centre Elisabeth-Schulen in Berlin welcomed the visitors and provided all participants with an insight into geriatric nursing training. At the Siemens AG, the visitors were able to gain insight into the practicalities of the vocational training routine for mechatronics fitters.