Recognised upgrading qualifications – pressure for reform

The options for progression from initial vocational training and for broadening occupational competences through state-regulated advanced vocational qualifications are important factors in the attractiveness of German vocational education and training. They offer employees who have qualified via the vocational pathway the prospect of extending the range of tasks they can handle and taking on responsible specialist and management roles. Currently, however, Germany's recognised and proven advanced vocational training regulations are faced with new challenges, and the system requires continuous development to ensure that they retain their attractiveness in future. The article shines a light on relevant developments and specifies possible fields of action.