Dual vocational training is a central pillar of the German economy and forms the foundation of its highly regarded education system. All the more concerning, therefore, is the decline in student numbers in vocational teacher training—particularly in technical disciplines such as mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, and mechatronics, where there is a pronounced shortage of qualified graduates.
Against this backdrop, the Wilo-Foundation supported the Vocational School Teachers Initiative, launched by the Stifterverband für die Deutsche Wissenschaft e.V., Essen. The initiative aimed to make vocational teacher training programs more attractive and, in doing so, to attract more students to careers in vocational education.
A key focus was ensuring high-quality training for future vocational school teachers at German universities. Through targeted measures, the initiative sought to counter the decline in student numbers and to enhance the appeal of vocational teacher training both for prospective students and career changers. As part of the initiative, various reform approaches were discussed, a joint concept paper was developed in working groups, and the nationwide innovation network “Lehramt Berufsbildende Schulen” (I-LaBS) was established.
Through this commitment, the Wilo-Foundation contributed to the sustainable strengthening of the vocational education system in Germany.
Photo Header: Stifterverband für die Deutsche Wissenschaft e.V., Essen, Credit: Damian Gorczany
