News about VET from Germany

The youth unemployment rate is close to 23 per cent across the European Union – yet at the same time there are more than 2 million vacancies that cannot be filled. Europe needs a radical rethink on how education and training systems can deliver the skills needed by the labour market.

In 2012, more than 2,500 graduates have passed their skilled tradesman examinations at the Schwerin Chamber of Industry and Commerce, covering 128 vocational education and training occupations. Many of them performed well or very well. They are eligible for a three-year scholarship.

Under the motto "1.000 Chancen für benachteiligte Jugendliche" (1,000 opportunities for disadvantaged youths), the Wirtschaftsjunioren Deutschland (WJD - German Young Entrepreneurs) have entered into a cooperation agreement with the German Ice Hockey League.

Starting now, the iMOVE portal is also available in a mobile version. The mobile version is specially configured for Smartphones, mobile phones, tablets and other mobile devices.

The German dual vocational training system is held in high regard not only in Europe but worldwide. Yet in its country of origin this form of vocational training and education battles with problems such as cancellation of many hours of lessons at the vocational schools and the general trend towards university education.

The Akademie für Führungskräfte, a member of the iMOVE Provider database, has been awarded the International German Training Award by the Berufsverband für Trainer, Berater und Coaches in the category "Sales, Distribution, Customer Orientation & Marketing".

"Once again, the innovative orientation of the vocational education and training centre at the Kiel Canal illustrates how closely the vocational education and training system follows the social and economic developments of our time."

In the eyes of Olaf Koch, Chairman of the Board at Metro AG, the corporation's investment in the field of education and continuing education is a "challenge".

Leading up to the end of August 2012, 294,248 new apprenticeship contracts were registered with the chambers of industry and commerce in Germany. This is 1,071 placements or 0.4 per cent more than in the previous year.