Parliamentary Education Committee from Ghana visits Germany

The study visit was organised and accompanied by GOVET at the Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training (BIBB). The aim of the visit was to share experiences on vocational education and training governance, vocational education and training itself, and sustainable reform processes, and to further deepen German–Ghanaian cooperation.

The programme focused on issues relating to the modernisation of vocational education and training, the labour market orientation of vocational education and training systems, and the integration of digital skills and STEM education into training programmes. The delegation was particularly interested in how Germany addresses the retention of skilled workers, practical relevance and quality assurance in vocational education and training, and which policy frameworks enable long-term reforms.

A particular highlight of the study visit was the exchange at the German Bundestag with the Committee on Education, Family, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth. The meeting was chaired by the committee chair, Saskia Esken. The MPs and members of parliament discussed issues relating to parliamentary oversight of education reforms, the role of research and evidence in political decision-making processes, and strategies for ensuring sustainable education reforms across political legislative periods.

The members of the Ghanaian delegation took the opportunity to learn about the cooperation between the federal government, the Länder, and social partners within the German education system. Furthermore, topics such as equal opportunities in the education system, the digitalisation of schools

The members of the Ghanaian delegation took the opportunity to learn about the cooperation between the federal government, and the social partners within the German education system. In addition, topics such as equal opportunities in the education system, the digitalisation of schools and vocational training, and transitions between general and vocational education were discussed in depth.

Furthermore, the delegation gained practical insights into in-company training in Germany through visits to companies and training institutions. During a visit to the training centre of the Berlin Transport Authority (BVG), the delegation members learnt about technical training in public transport. The BVG currently trains around 550 apprentices in various technical and commercial trades, and presented its modern training workshops as well as its strategies for securing a skilled workforce.

Another highlight of the programme was the fruitful exchange with the AXA Insurance Group in Cologne. There, the delegation gained insights into training in the commercial and service sectors, as well as into in-company continuing professional development strategies. Topics discussed included the role of companies in skills development, the promotion of young talent, and the importance of dual training structures for securing a long-term supply of skilled workers. Overall, the company visits highlighted how committed German businesses are to taking responsibility for training, and how closely qualifications and labour market needs are interlinked.

The programme was complemented by a technical dialogue with the German Chamber of Industry and Commerce (DIHK) in Berlin. Representatives of the DIHK explained the important role of the chambers in the German vocational training system – particularly in quality assurance, the organisation of examinations, and support for training companies.

At Bonn-Rhein-Sieg University of Applied Sciences in Sankt Augustin, the focus was particularly on the university’s current and past cooperation projects with various universities in Ghana. The members of the Ghanaian parliament aim to promote closer cooperation between technical universities and universities of applied sciences in Germany.

At a round table organised by GOVET in collaboration with iMOVE – Training Made in Germany and the Ghana Forum NRW at the BIBB, over 30 representatives from research, practice and civil society came together to network with MPs and parliamentary members from Ghana.

GOVET – the Federal Government’s Central Office for International Vocational Education and Training Cooperation at the Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training (BIBB) – has been facilitating and supporting cooperation between Germany and Ghana in the field of vocational education and training for many years. The study visit by the Ghanaian Parliamentary Education Committee built on this long-standing cooperation and provided a further opportunity to deepen political dialogue and cooperation between educational institutions, business and politics in both countries.