GOVET strengthens transatlantic cooperation in Vocational Education and Training
In 2024, GOVET continued its professional exchange with US partners. Joint webinars and a delegation visit provided a key impetus in supporting the ongoing development of dual training models.
In 2024, GOVET supported the transatlantic partnership with professional exchange on Vocational Education and Training in the USA.
In April 2024, GOVET organised a four-day trip by a delegation from the US state of Wisconsin led by Amy Pechacek, Secretary of Workforce Development, and provided specialist support for the visit. The focus was on the main features of initial and continuing VET, labour market policy and the transformation of industrial locations in Germany.
The delegation emphasised the high level of added value from the trip as it provided valuable impetus to support the ongoing introduction of the training model in Wisconsin. For example, in future, the state’s budget will also specifically include support for the “registered apprenticeship” model and for aspects of permeability and the attractiveness of Vocational Education and Training.
The exchange with Wisconsin shows the value of international cooperation in the ongoing development of vocational education and training. The positive developments in Wisconsin illustrate the potential provided by the apprenticeship model and underline how practical training ensures the supply of skilled workers in the future and strengthens the employment market."
Dr. Hannelore Kress, GOVET project manager
2023 was a record year in Wisconsin for vocational education and training. The training model achieved significant successes with 16,384 registered trainees and over 2,900 participating employers. Young people in particular are increasingly benefiting from the “Youth Apprenticeship” model – training which begins during high school.
Webinar: a focus on the future of Vocational Education and Training
On 19 November 2024, leading experts from Germany and the USA came together for a webinar to discuss future approaches to vocational education and training. The focus was on topics such as lifelong learning, sustainability and the use of AI in training.
The virtual format of the webinar “Advancing Apprenticeship: An International Collaboration” provided a platform for high-ranking representatives of the United States Department of Labor (DoL), the state of Wisconsin and leading German institutions. Speakers included the German Consul General Michael Ahrens, Wisconsin’s Secretary of Workforce Development Amy Pechacek, Prof. Dr. Hubert Ertl (BIBB), Michele Carter (Department of Workforce Development, DWD), Prof. Dr. Henning Klaffke (Hamburg University of Applied Sciences, BHH) and David Polk (DWD Apprenticeship Bureau).
In 2024, GOVET intensified its networking and cooperation with various stakeholders in order to support the professional exchange:
Transatlantic Business & Investment Council (TBIC): On 13 March 2024, GOVET gave a keynote speech for representatives of community colleges at the request of the Berlin TBIC office.
US embassy in Berlin: On 4 September 2024, GOVET supported the Business department of the US Embassy in Berlin in organising a company visit as part of the delegation’s schedule.