Recent innovations in technology and changes in the working environment in Germany: requirements for adapting vocational education and advanced training

This research project analyzed the challenges of current technological change both for initial vocational training, particularly within the vocational education system, and for continuing education.

In the area of initial vocational education and training, the project examined, among other things, how successful it is to adapt training content and regulations to digital change and to integrate newly emerging fields of activity or job profiles. In addition to initial training, qualification processes in the further course of working life are also affected by the challenges of technological change. This applies to both in-company and inter-company training. Tertiary education was also taken into account in the analysis.

Both initial training and further training activities influence the mobility of the workforce. In this context, it was analyzed, among other things, how great the need for re-qualification is in Germany in view of the digital transformation and how mobility between occupations or sectors could be effectively increased through further training in the ongoing transformation process.

The questions presented were to be answered with the help of expert interviews. Experts from as many relevant institutions as possible were interviewed. The survey was preceded by an inventory of scientific findings and the development of a set of indicators. The findings from the expert interviews were validated in an expert workshop and resulted in concrete proposals for action.

Report (in German)