News about VET from Germany

The federal government's career guidance programme makes it easier for young people and late career entrants to choose an occupation. Inter-company vocational training schools analyse the young people's potential and thus help them to discover their talents.

Five years ago, the Senior Experts Service (SES) initiative VerA was launched, which prevents young people from discontinuing their vocational education and training course. A veritable success story: by now, 3,000 apprentices have taken advantage of the SES proposal.

Sarah Jagemann was 19 when she had her twins. As such, a joyful event. But difficult in the period of launching yourself into a career. A regular vocational education and training course of 40 hours per week was impossible with two small children. But an apprenticeship with reduced numbers of hours - that was an option.

At the approximately 8,000 vocational colleges and schools in Germany, apprentices are qualified to work in 340 occupations, but, as yet, the topic of sustainability hardly plays a role. This is something Andreas Fischer, professor for occupational and business education and business didactics at the Leuphana University Lüneburg, wants to change.

Five apprentices from Neubrandenburg were given the opportunity of getting to know Europe in a pleasant way. Together with vocational students from Poland and Slovakia, they met at a vocational college near Lodz for the EU project "Healthy Lifestyle". Yet not just for fun.

Businesses hiring secondary modern graduates as apprentices are usually more than averagely satisfied with them – compared to their expectations. This is the result of a study by the German Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training (BIBB).

For years, the privately run Eckert Schools have been setting standards in vocational education and training. Now, the "corporation of knowledge" wants to become the largest private provider of education in Germany.

A joint inclusion initiative for more in-company vocational education and employment of people with disabilities, which is part of the German federal government's National Action Plan for implementing the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, has recently been agreed upon.

Trade entrepreneur Johannes Demmelhuber from Upper Bavaria has been awarded the 2013 "Heribert Späth Prize for special vocational education and training achievements in the crafts". Demmelhuber has developed vocational education and training in his business to become a veritable brand, which is well known amongst youths, parents and teachers in the region.