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VET cooperation and diplomatic relations

The role of German representation abroad in international VET cooperation

26.07.2016

German embassies and Consulate Generals are regularly the first point of contact in their respective host countries and this also applies in the case for VET cooperation. As a result of the increasing interest worldwide, the Embassies and Consulate Generals have developed their expertise. A large number of Round Tables have been organised in the last three years focussing on German VET cooperation abroad.

VET cooperation and diplomatic relations

The Foreign Office has responded and has made a range of different information sources and tools available to German diplomats. GOVET also regularly lends support with its expertise. Over the last three years, a large number of Round Tables have also been set up focussing on cooperation in vocational education and training – mostly on the initiative of the German embassies. Stakeholders come together at these Round Tables to share experience, have the opportunity to present their projects and to coordinate amongst themselves.

Besides embassy representatives, Chambers of Foreign Trade and interested German companies generally take part as well as institutions and implementing agencies actively engaged in the area at a local level. These are, for example, the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ), sequa, the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), the Goethe Institut and the Center for International Migration and Development (CIM).

Host country institutions are also invited to some Round Tables such as representatives of the Department for Education, the vocation training institute and the Chambers of Industry and Commerce.
In Slovenia, the Round Table on VET cooperation is organised together with colleagues from the Austrian and Swiss embassies. The aim is to support the reintroduction of dual vocational education and training in Slovenia.
Besides Slovenia, Mexico, Thailand and Tunisia are also successful examples of a coordinated approach and joint projects.

In Mexico City, the efforts made by the Round Table stakeholders for Germany Year in Mexico have resulted in a German shared stand at the “Hecho in Alemania” trade fair. At the event, which is taking place from 15 to 19 June, Head of GOVET Michael Wiechert is one of the experts presenting in the programme supporting the event.

Two-year dual vocational education and training is being implemented as a flagship project as part of German-Thai Dual Excellence Education. The initiative of the Chamber of Foreign Trade, the embassy and German companies is being supported by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF). Advanced training in Tunisia is being funded in cooperation with government vocational education and training institutions by the Konrad Adenauer Foundation, the Chamber of Foreign Trade and the business sector.

The Foreign Office and GOVET support the involvement of German representation abroad and advise on setting up new Round Tables.
In consultation with the Foreign Office, GOVET is currently conducting a survey of Round Tables established by German representation abroad. The results will be available at the start of July and will be published by GOVET.