Introduction : responses to the global pandemic. Analyses, best practices, and experiences in Vocational Education and Training

Abstract

„Teaching, learning, and training were adversely affected by the pandemic. Vocational Education and Training (VET) had to make adjustments as quickly as possible, dealing with school closures, limited work-based learning opportunities, delays in examination, and disrupted learners’ biographies. In the on-and-off settings of face to face and distance learning, the lack of continuous pedagogical guidance for apprentices appeared to be a key issue in many places. At the same time, digital transformation has been immensely accelerated due to the pan¬demic related confinements. […] The Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training, BIBB, responded immediately to the COVID-19 crisis by carrying out research on training market development, “systemically relevant” professions (i.e. jobs in critical infrastructures and services), digital pedagogy and further training of trainers, and more. […] Within BIBB’s international department, the German Office for International Cooperation in VET (GOVET) started to analyse international VET developments immediately after the first wave of COVID-19 had started to affect education and training institutions around the world. In particular, GOVET scrutinised the developments in VET cooperation countries of the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF), and by now issued a series of five online status reports on the referring countries with particular emphasis on digital responses and strategies.” (excerpt; BIBB-Doku)