Vocational training has fallen to an alarmingly low level, and at the same time many entrepreneurs are complaining about skills shortages. The existing shortage of qualified entrepreneurs, managers and skilled workers, which will continue to grow in the future, is the greatest constraint on the further development of small and medium-sized enterprises. Securing young talent is becoming a question of survival.

Dual vocational education and training has a proven track of record in being beneficial to SMEs, apprentices and workers and society by setting the ground in overcoming these challenges. How to establish industry competence centers of vocational education and training? Which strategies are successful in attracting companies, schools and apprentices to participate in vocational education and training? What is the core content of the technician training and how to implement? How to train company personnel in carrying out vocational training?

As part of the EU project ICC4VET (Establishment of two-stage industry competence centers of vocational education and training), we and international partners have developed and successfully tested concrete solutions for vocational training, further education and university education and for securing young talent.