Informing, advising, connecting – and learning

GOVET performs a key role in international VET cooperation as the federal government’s one-stop shop. It provides information and advice and brings together both international and German stakeholders in way which is topic-related, well-informed, multilingual and aimed at a specific target audience.

International partners – such as ministries, embassies and organisations from abroad – can obtain in-depth information from GOVET about dual vocational education and training in Germany and about the structures and principles of German VET cooperation. The priority, however, for German ministries, social partners, chambers and development cooperation providers is support in an advisory capacity with the implementation of international VET cooperation projects, e.g. by providing country information contacts, materials or individual assessments.

Enquiries from all over the world

Since it was established, GOVET has responded to around 6,000 enquiries – in 2024 alone there were approximately 300 inquiries from 48 countries. These were not just about the German vocational education and training system but also related to specific country issues, questions about recognition, initiating cooperation and about experience with implementation in international VET cooperation.

GOVET not only provides information but also establishes the broader context, provides the right contact partner and helps to find appropriate approaches. Enquiries from abroad range from general advice inquiries to specific interest in cooperation. For German stakeholders, the focus often tends to be strategic considerations or preparing and coordinating operational measures in international VET cooperation.

Interactive Exchange

A key element in the work is the large number of interactive formats: Delegation visits, specialist seminars, workshops, specialist dialogues and trade fair appearances. In 2024, GOVET organised around 50 events involving more than 750 participants from 36 countries – these included a large number of specialist dialogues with small groups of people or aimed at specific target groups.

The formats not only support the transfer of knowledge, but also mutual learning: These discussions enable GOVET to gain insights into these specific general conditions and challenges in the partner countries. This direct exchange helps GOVET to continually develop the advice it provides and to embed the international perspective in its work.

In 2024, topics ranged from the fundamentals of dual training to very specific topic requests such as the development of training regulations, the institutional structure of vocational education and training authorities, databased vocational education and training policy, measures to support skilled worker development, sustainability, the involvement of business, innovation, skilled worker immigration to Germany including the recognition of qualifications obtained abroad. There were a lot of enquiries in particular relating to the role of the chambers, the German recognition system and the development of VET structures.

Information products: clear, multilingual, practice-oriented

Another core area of the one-stop shop is the development and provision of information products which GOVET prepares for specific target groups and updates on a regular basis. These include presentations, brochures, videos, landing pages, information about countries and their vocational education and training systems, and VET cooperation projects. These materials are now available in up to 15 languages, including English, French, Spanish, Arabic, Ukrainian and Polish. They are used around the world in projects, consultations and events, and are used by embassies, chambers, partner ministries and by implementing organisations.

In 2024, the product portfolio was expanded in a focused manner. Presentations have been added on “Training pathways in Germany”, “The role of the chambers" and “Certification, accreditation and recognition in the German vocational education and training system”. Six further presentations have been updated. Landing pages on the topics of securing the supply of skilled labour and sustainable vocational education and training were created. The effort put into product development has paid off. Demand rose by 30 percent compared to the previous year and GOVET products were downloaded more than 13,000 times.

Digital first – online visibility, international availability

GOVET’s website remains a key platform for the expert international audience. In addition to reports about current work, it provides a comprehensive download portal, country profiles and a database on VET cooperation. Here, interested parties from around the world will find in-depth information and materials available in multiple languages. In 2024, the website was accessed from 174 different countries.

In 2024, the videos produced by GOVET were also made available via the GOVET YouTube channel. As with the website, there was a slight increase in page impressions compared to the previous year at just over 52,000.

Since May 2024, GOVET has also been active on LinkedIn with its own channel. The content published here – including event information, new publications and insights to current projects – strengthen GOVET’s digital visibility and promote international networking.

Trade fairs, presentations and networking

GOVET is also present at trade fairs and conferences – for example at the didacta education exhibition, at re:publica and at the Business Day of the Ambassador’s Conference in the Federal Foreign Office. The team uses these opportunities not just to present their own content but also for discussions with partners to pick up on new developments, and to observe trends in education, training and employment internationally.