iMOVE interview with Humeyra Baykan, Head of International Affairs, February, 2010.
iMOVE: What is the name and background of your organisation?
Humeyra Baykan: The European Association for Vocational and Social Education (EBG), founded in 1990, is a non-profit private organisation in the field of vocational training and continuing education. At present, our 35 training centres in Germany, Slovakia, China, Vietnam and Russia offer an extensive spectrum of training programmes.
iMOVE: Which services in the field of vocational education and training do you offer?
Baykan: Our training activities range from the training of trainers to basic and continuation courses in vocational education, vocational re-training, the development of teaching and learning material, curriculum design and certification with a strong focus on practical components and in close alignment with current working methods and processes as well as job market requirements. We offer training from the sectors metalwork, social services, biotechnology, chemistry and environmental protection.
iMOVE: What are your international business experiences?
Baykan: One of the reasons for the strength and success of the German economy is its vocational education and training system, particularly in the field of technical training. The emerging markets in China and Vietnam are badly in need of a qualified and skilled workforce in order to keep pace with the changes in technology and market. Therefore, EBG focuses on vocational training with a strong practical component and offers market-oriented training programmes tailor-made for specific needs and requirements. The EBG staff and trainers work in close cooperation with their international partners, customers and business associations.
iMOVE: Which key service do you have on offer for a successful cooperation with international partners?
Baykan: Since 2003 the EBG is providing professional training for vocational trainers, students and workers in China, and since 2008 also in Vietnam. We offer courses in the field of CNC (turning, milling and eroding) as well as welding and mechatronics. EBG successfully developed and implemented CNC training modules in Shanghai, Shenyang and Chongqing. Xian will soon be added to the list. In a public-private partnership with other organisations, EBG and several Vietnamese vocational schools and colleges set up specialised training modules in the field of CNC turning and milling in Hung Yen, Nha Trang, Ho Chi Minh, Nam Ding and Thái Nguyên.
