SFIVET and BIBB expand their cooperation ties

On 14 January 2021, the Swiss Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training SFIVET and the German Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training BIBB signed a more extensive cooperation agreement. The new agreement replaces the previous one signed in 2014. Cooperation is intended to allow these two institutions to continue assisting one another, working intensively together and sharing information.

Online signing of the cooperation agreement
SFUVET/Jan Hellman

Based in Bonn, the German Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training (BIBB) is a federal government institution responsible for conducting VET research, developing VET in Germany and acting in an advisory capacity. In its research, development and advisory activities, the BIBB seeks to identify future VET system tasks, to encourage VET innovations both at national and international levels and to develop proposals that enable VET practitioners to improve the quality of initial and continuing training within the VET system.

Prof. Dr Friedrich Hubert Esser, President of BIBB: 'Our cooperation with SFIVET goes back many years and has been productive. The vocational education and training systems in both countries receive a great deal of international attention. Both institutes pursue research, development and advisory services in the area of vocational education and training as core tasks. We have therefore intensified our cooperation in these areas. Both sides benefit from information sharing between our experts as well as from mutual cooperation in committees. I therefore see the extension of our cooperation as a positive signal for continued integration.'

Numerous information-sharing channels

The two institutions intend to foster cooperation through joint events that allow SFIVET and BIBB staff to interact and exchange information. Institutional exchange is also planned. BIBB staff will hold seats on SFIVET committees and vice versa.

SFIVET Board Chairman Adrian Wüthrich considers cooperation between the two institutions to be more important than ever: 'In both countries, vocational education and training greatly contributes to the successful economic and social integration of young people. We must do everything in our power to support this, especially given the current situation.’

Joint workshops will also be held to share information on trends affecting dual VET systems. In addition, SFIVET’s International Relations Division and BIBB’s VET International Department hold regular discussions for the purpose of identifying synergies. Finally, in order to facilitate the training of future specialists in VET research, plans are currently underway for future staff members of SFIVET to be assigned to work at BIBB and vice versa.