Bavaria's Economics Minister Zeil: "Vocational education and training is a key success factor for the future of skilled craft and small trade"

The German federal state of Bavaria currently invests more in vocational education and training than ever before. Bavaria’s Economics Minister Martin Zeil highlights the importance of the investments for his federal state: "Skilled craft and small trade greatly contribute to economic growth and employment in Bavaria. Especially in the countryside, many young people find their way to personal independence through small trade. That is why vocational education and training is a central concern of the Bavarian government."

According to Zeil, the increasing investments in vocational education and training are a response to four recent developments: "First of all, customers’ quality demands rise. Secondly, technological progress further accelerates. Thirdly, international competitive pressure continues. And, finally, demographic changes force us to be more productive. Only modern vocational education and training can meet these challenges."

The current investments concentrate on the enhancement of training infrastructure: In Munich, for example, the educational centre for Painters and Varnishers plans to extend its building and to modernise its technical workshop facilities. In the Bavarian city of Schweinfurt, the timber workshop will be remodeled; costs are estimated at 378,000 Euros. The city’s educational centre and its automotive academy plan to restock training materials for metal and automotive work, welding, sanitary and heating engineering, building services and air conditioning technology. In Würzburg, 560,000 Euros are being invested in the business management academy and the education and training centre.