Specialist topic: Sustainability in vocational education and training
Sustainability was again a cross-cutting topic in 2025. The Central Office organised several events with the advisory product “VET Chain” and presented the specialist publication on sustainability in vocational education and training, which contains contributions from 22 authors from eleven countries.
Integrating sustainable development in initial vocational education and training is one of the most important education policy tasks. But how can sustainability be given due consideration in occupational practice? And what processes have proved their value in other countries? In late 2024, the BIBB published “Sustainability in Vocational Education and Training – National and International Experiences”, which was created by GOVET in cooperation with international partners. It combines diverse perspectives from 22 authors from eleven countries and documents workshops, expert discussions, and research work. To mark the publication of “Sustainability”, GOVET organised an online book launch on 29 January 2025, at which three authors from three countries presented their articles.
The question of practical inspiration and approaches was also at the heart of the work with the VET Chain. The interactive advisory tool was developed under the guidance of GOVET in the international department of the Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training (BIBB). Since its introduction in 2023, more than 250 participants have worked with the tool in workshops and various training and further education courses. Former participants also now use the free materials, which are available as open education resources, independently and organise workshops for their networks.
VET in the context of sustainable supply chains
The importance of supply chains and qualified skilled workers continues to grow in the context of social-ecological transformation. Questions of fair and sustainable employment and production conditions may struggle more to be heard, but the consequences of climate change, particularly against the backdrop of multiple crises, can be clearly felt. It remains important for skilled workers to think along the entire chain and make decisions in a global context.
Events and milestones 2025
- 11 to 15 February 2025: Education fair didacta in Stuttgart
- 26 February 2025: Open workshop at BIBB
- 13 to 14 March 2025: Training of Trainers at BIBB
- 14 April 2025: VET Chain with BIBB apprentices
- 24 June 2025: Education day at the Carl Reuther vocational school in Hennef
- 26 June 2025: Open workshop at BIBB
- 3 to 4 July 2025: Training of Trainers at BIBB
- 28 October 2025: Internal further training at BIBB
- 25 October 2025: Workshop with Israeli VET experts
- 4 and 5 December: Training of Trainers at BIBB
The plan is to expand international cooperation as part of the VET Chain in 2026. In the first half of the year, a workshop will take place featuring partners from the bilateral cooperation with Costa Rica.
Additionally, the tool will be more deeply integrated into vocational education practice. The aim is still to systematically promote sustainable competencies and strengthen VET as a driving force for social-ecological transformation.
The topic of sustainability is being embedded as a mandatory feature in German vocational education and training via standard occupational profile positions.
Since 1 August 2021, four modernised standard occupational profile positions are considered minimum requirements in all newly developed or modernised training regulations. The standard occupational profile positions are cross-cutting topics that are taught in all occupations. They must be implemented in every recognised training occupation and can be supplemented with specific content, depending on the sector. They apply to the areas “Company, VET, Labour and Tarif Law”, “Safety and Health at the Workspace”, “Environment and Sustainability”, and “Digitised Working World”.
Sustainability is thus a fixed component of every training. Trainees learn to act in a resource-friendly, energy-saving, and responsible way, and learn key competencies for the labour market. Integrating sustainability into training practice can help companies reach their internal sustainability goals.