Proceedings of ReferNet 2026 Partnership Forum in Bonn

Abstract

"These proceedings document the 2026 ReferNet Partnership Forum, part of ReferNet's series of Partnership Fora. The event took place on 20–21 May 2026 in Bonn, Germany, and was jointly organised by Cedefop and the Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training (BIBB), home of the ReferNet Germany team. The Forum brought together members of the ReferNet network and invited stakeholders to exchange knowledge, engage in peer learning and reflect on key challenges and developments in vocational education and training (VET) across Europe. The agenda combined strategic policy discussions with practical insights into the German VET system. Sessions explored topics including permeability between secondary and tertiary education, the recognition of foreign professional qualifications, and the role of BIBB in supporting VET policy and research. Thematic discussions focused on excellence in VET, illustrated through examples from Germany, Bulgaria and Finland, while dedicated sessions examined the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in VET and international mobility through German case studies. A study visit to the mechanical engineering company Kuhne provided participants with first-hand experience of apprenticeship training within a company setting." (Editors, BIBB-Doku)