Acting together – the Round Table as a platform for international VET cooperation

The work of the Round Table’s Secretariat passed by quietly in 2024. This might sound a bit “boring” or as if there was “not much going on”, but it is proof of the format’s success. The Round Table was established in order to bring together the varied interests of numerous German stakeholders in international VET cooperation and to channel this into coherent action. The quietness is a sign of well-honed cooperation. This does not mean there are no tough discussions or that issues are not wrestled with now and again. On the contrary, the disruptive changes seen both nationally and also globally in 2024 were also reflected in the issues addressed. However, the focus was always on finding joint solutions benefiting not just one stakeholder but where all stakeholders were sure that it would help achieve the shared goals of German VET cooperation.

The Round Table for international VET cooperation is the central exchange and coordination format for the federal government in this area and GOVET is its Secretariat. It brings together stakeholders from federal ministries, federal states, chambers, social partners, civil society organisations and executing institutions. The goal is to use synergies, make activities transparent and enable Germany to engage internationally with one voice.

In 2024, the Round Table met a total of five times at the working and ministerial levels (RT-A and RT-R). Subjects discussed included implementing the recommendation of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) on dual training, cooperation with Ukraine and the overarching theme of “Learning from others”.

At stakeholder level, the Round Table for international cooperation has also recruited its 35th member organisation in WorldSkills Germany e.V. In this way, further vocational education and training expertise and international experience is included in the exchange with stakeholders.

Specialist seminars: a deeper dive, thinking further together

In 2024, the Round Table’s specialist seminars were again a highlight – this is a format which offers specific scope for taking a more in-depth look at content and for interactive exchange. Three themes were the focus in 2024:

• VET Chain – Sustainability along supply chain (February): A starting point for developing sustainable concepts in vocational education and training is thinking about the entire supply chain. In order to make stakeholders more aware of this topic in the context of training, an interactive tool was developed with a project from the BIBB’s international department to provide an understanding of sustainability in vocational education and training along the supply chain. The workshop concept was used for the first time as part of the didacta education exhibition in Cologne with members of the Round Table and with sustainability experts, and following this was also used internationally on request.
   
• Ensuring provision of skilled workers by means of training abroad (June): There was huge demand for this seminar which had over 80 participants. The seminar focussed on legal changes relating to skilled worker immigration, skills partnerships and examples from practice in Ghana, Egypt and other partner countries. One main conclusion was that good preparation in the country of origin requires clear standards, reliable structures and strong networks.
   
• Certification and recognition in international VET cooperation (October): The third specialist seminar focused on questions relating to certificates, quality assurance and legal framework conditions. Many international partners expect German qualifications or qualifications recognised internationally – this issue is hugely relevant in terms of credibility and the extent to which projects can be integrated.

There is now huge interest in GOVET specialist seminars from federal state ministries and German missions abroad – they not only support the transfer of knowledge but also provide new impetus for practice.

Federal state-wide thinking: the Federal and State Government Dialogue

Vocational education and training in Germany is the responsibility of both the federal government and the federal states – close coordination in international cooperation is therefore also important. At the two virtual federal and state government dialogues in January and December in 2024, ministries and authorities from 15 federal states shared their views and ideas with representatives of five federal ministries regarding their activities, strategies and partnerships. The meeting focussed on sharing information regarding respective approaches, specific objectives and interests, regional priorities and current activities in international VET cooperation.

Many federal states have their own partnerships in place. These are often in Africa, but increasingly also with Vietnam or India. They also work closely with the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) in the
German Government and Federal States Programme on sustainable economic development. Vocational education and training plays a key role in this.

Networking locally: international VET cooperation at German mission’s abroad

A specific Round Table format is the round tables at German missions abroad – these take place in approximately 30 countries in the form of coordination meetings at German embassies or chambers of commerce abroad. The purpose of these local round tables is to coordinate German stakeholders in the respective partner country. GOVET supports these meetings with specialist input, facilitation, or by connecting and introducing stakeholders.

In November, GOVET also organised
regional expert dialogues for new vocational education and training managers at German missions abroad – structured by continent. These focused on career orientation, certification and on skilled worker mobility. Demand indicates that issues relating to international VET cooperation are more relevant than ever for external representation – including for the purposes of education and training diplomacy.

Exchange on equal terms: specialist dialogue as individual support

Besides large-scale event formats, GOVET also offers tailored specialist dialogues for individuals or small groups – such as for ministries, chambers of commerce abroad and international organisations. For example, in 2024 discussions took place with WorldSkills Germany e.V., the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMEL), the Federal Foreign Office, and the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ). Topics ranged from vocational education and training systems to issues relating to recognition and the development of specific cooperation approaches.

Thinking ahead strategically: focus on country strategies

The revision and creation of country strategies was another work priority. In 2024, the revised strategies for South Africa, Greece, Portugal and Ghana were presented to the Round Table at State Secretary level and for India, Italy, the US and Mexico significant progress was made, with the involvement of stakeholders, in the process of updating country strategies. This contributes to the strategic governance of Germany’s commitment to vocational education and training abroad.

Conclusion:
During 2024, the Round Table also proved to be a key platform in terms of coordination, transfer of knowledge and strategic development. The mix of regular meetings, specialist seminars on specific topics, targeted advice and international networking makes it an effective tool in German economic diplomacy – and a place where cooperation is visibly embraced.