Round Table for international cooperation in vocational education and training

The Round Table for International Vocational Training Cooperation (iBBZ) was established in 2013 by the Federal Government's strategy for international vocational training cooperation from a single source (see below). It strengthens the exchange and transfer of knowledge among its members, consolidates and increases their expertise, and promotes the transparency, coherence and effectiveness of German activities. It also acts as a kind of clearing house where common issues are discussed and further procedures are agreed upon, e.g. in response to enquiries from abroad. This strengthens Germany's role as a competent contact and cooperation partner in matters of international vocational training cooperation. The positive side effect is that German stakeholders have the opportunity to identify synergies at an early stage and benefit from each other's experiences. In addition, a federal-state dialogue on international vocational training cooperation takes place once a year. Here, the federal ministries involved and representatives of the individual federal states exchange information on their current activities in the field of international vocational training cooperation. Members of the round table include federal ministries, departmental institutions, implementing organisations, federal states and chamber organisations, as well as social partners and various associations, federations and organisations active in international vocational training cooperation. German missions abroad are also involved through the Federal Foreign Office.

Strategy of the Federal Government on International cooperation in Vocational Education and Traning (2019) (PDF, 140 KB)

Federal Government Strategy Paper on International cooperation in Vocational Education and Training

To provide in-depth knowledge of current topics in vocational training cooperation and promote networking and discussion of possible solutions, the Round Table office regularly organises specialist seminars for member organisations represented at the Round Table. The specialist seminars take into account current developments and challenges in the iBBZ, ensuring that participants have the latest information and insights to inform their work. Specialist seminars have been held. The topics have included the following.

• Further training
• Sustainability
• Just Energy Transition
• Qualification measures abroad
• Certifications
• Learning from Others
• Artificial intelligence
• China competencies

The office provides advice and support to Round Table members and German missions abroad. This support takes the form of expert dialogues, which can be introductory or in-depth, and can be used to answer specific enquiries.

Alongside the Round Table in Germany, there are currently 25 Round Tables at foreign missions and, in exceptional cases, foreign chambers of commerce. These serve to coordinate the activities of stakeholders in the respective partner countries. These are also part of the Federal Government's strategy, but are the responsibility of the Federal Foreign Office. The office provides technical advice to the missions on the round tables on site as required.