Projects
Ongoing projects
-
2026–2027
PoR – Poetiken des Widerstands und der Hoffnung: Poetische/Ästhetische Widerstandsformen marginalisierter Communities in Deutschland
Das Projekt „Poetries of Resistance and Hope“ untersucht poetische und audiovisuelle Ausdrucksformen marginalisierter, insbesondere von Rassismus und Ableismus betroffener Communities in Deutschland. Im Zentrum steht die Frage, inwiefern Gedichte, Spoken Word Performances sowie Audio- und Videoinstallationen, insbesondere in digitalen und sozialen Medien, als Bildungsräume der Verweigerung, des Widerstands, der Hoffnung und der Imagination alternativer Gegenwarten und Zukünfte verstanden werden können. Ziel des Projekts ist es, diese medialen und ästhetischen Praktiken als Formen gesellschaftlicher Auseinandersetzung sichtbar zu machen und ihre hegemoniekritischen Bildungspotenziale zu untersuchen. Hierzu wird ein Text- und Bildarchiv aufgebaut und ausgewähltes Material diskursanalytisch untersucht. Zugleich dient die Studie der Entwicklung empirischer und konzeptioneller Grundlagen für ein weiterführendes Drittmittelprojekt.
Department: Prof. Dr. Alisha Heinemann
-
2026–2029
GEKKO – Innovative approaches to logistics design to enhance the skills of continuing professional development mentors
The project ‘Innovative Approaches in Logistics to Foster the Competence of Continuing Professional Development Mentors’ (GEKKO) is funded under the guidelines for supporting projects aimed at enhancing and strengthening work-related continuing professional development through the training and establishment of continuing professional development mentors. GEKKO aims to train continuing professional development mentors (CPD mentors) within the context of small and medium-sized logistics enterprises (SMEs) and to establish them at company level.
Dr. Christine Siemer Frieda Klaus
Department: Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. Michael Gessler
-
2026
BLP Mechtronik – BLP Industrial Mechatronics: Advancing TVET in Namibia through the Introduction of an Industrial Mechatronics Qualification
The GIZ project supports the introduction of a practice-oriented, competency-based qualification in industrial mechatronics in Namibia. Working with Namibian vocational training centres and the Namibia University of Science and Technology, the Institute Technology and Education at the University of Bremen has trained teachers and developed curricula and teaching materials. The professional development programme combined short courses, online training and mentoring with action-based learning. The aim is to establish the programme as a lasting part of Namibia’s vocational education and training system and broaden career opportunities in technical occupations. The project is funded by BMZ through the German Government and Federal States Programme and co-financed by the federal state of Bremen.
Department: Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. Michael Gessler
-
2025–2028
FinDMB – An educational game on financial literacy for migrants – sensitive to cultural differences, multilingual, career-focused
The ‘FinDMB’ project is developing and testing an educational game designed to promote financial literacy amongst (relatively) recent migrants. The programme is therefore aimed at learners who are acquiring the German language for educational and professional purposes, who face intersectional disadvantages, and who are still finding their feet in the German financial, education and labour markets.
Dr. Franziska Bonna Dr. Julia Tietjen
Department: Prof. Dr. Alisha Heinemann
-
2025–2027
Karrieren@Stahl – Careers@Steel – Career models and professional development pathways to secure and develop skilled workers in the steel industry
The research project ‘Karrieren@Stahl – Career models and professional development pathways for securing and developing skilled labour in the steel industry’ aims to address the changing qualification and skills requirements in the steel and foundry industries.
PD Dr. Susanne Peters Frieda Klaus Dr. Lisa Meyne Michael Sander Alexander Seedorf
Department: Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. Michael Gessler
-
2024–2027
ISOV – Innovative Skills for an Old Vocation
Like all sectors, the industrial footwear manufacturing sector is also facing the megatrends of globalisation, digitalisation and sustainability. Work processes are changing – and so both initial and continuing vocational training must change as well.
Department: Prof. Dr. Falk Howe
-
2024–2027
VETAssIst – Artificial Intelligence as a VET Teaching Assistant
The ‘Artificial Intelligence as VET Teacher Assistant’ (VETAssIst) project is supported by the Erasmus+ KA220-VET funding scheme. Our aim is to further develop vocational education and training by integrating the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI) into the day-to-day work of vocational education and training teachers.
Dr. Vivian Harberts Dr. Andreas Saniter
Department: Prof. Dr. Falk Howe
-
2024–2027
CESynergy – Circular Economy Pathways for the Energy Transition
Challenges of the energy transition - - - The energy sector is at a critical juncture: electricity supply systems are a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions and global warming. In transitioning the energy supply from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources, it is not only the technological and environmental aspects that must be taken into account, but also the necessary material resources.
Dr. Vivian Harberts Myrthe Reinsberg Dr. Andreas Saniter Dr. Julia Tietjen
Department: Prof. Dr. Falk Howe
-
2024–2026
FUESE – Strengthening Outreach within the Social Ecosystem of Universities in Central America
In recent years, universities in Central America have undergone profound changes as a result of globalisation, the shift towards a knowledge-based society and advances in information and communication technologies. These changes particularly affect their remit, their governance and their social role. The FUESE project aims to modernise university continuing education by reforming institutional policies and practices in order to strengthen their impact on the socio-economic environment in the region. The project is being implemented in three phases, with all partners involved in the assessment, planning, implementation, evaluation and institutionalisation of a new model designed to improve the effectiveness of university continuing education.
Department: Prof. Dr. Falk Howe
-
2024–2026
FLAME – Modern and efficient fire service career training
As part of the ‘Modern and Efficient Fire Service Career Training’ (FLAME) project, the ITB is supporting the Hamburg Fire Service Academy in modernising and expanding its career training programme for civil servants.
Dr. Claudia Fenzl Dr. Lisa Meyne Nils Weinowski
Department: Prof. Dr. Falk Howe
-
2023–2026
DEVISE4KE – Strengthening the sustainable development of vocational education and training in Kenya by integrating workplace-based learning and improving the ICT skills of teachers and pupils through the use of solar energy and energy-efficient equipment
As part of the DEVISE4KE project, three secondary schools offering vocational training programmes in a rural region of Kenya are being equipped with photovoltaic systems and low-energy IT equipment. Through these measures, as well as teaching and learning activities for teachers, the aim is to enable digital-supported and work-based learning for local pupils.
Dr. Vivian Harberts Peter Kaune Dr. Christian Staden
Department: Prof. Dr. Falk Howe
-
2023–2026
SKILLS4JUSTICE – Skills Partnerships for Sustainable and Just Migration Patterns
The issue: Many countries are experiencing, or are seeing a rise in, skills shortages, including in the IT sector, the care sector and the skilled trades. At the same time, there are both regular and irregular migration flows. Irregular migration results in significant disadvantages for those affected in terms of access to the labour market, which is not legally possible; however, regular labour migration also presents challenges for all stakeholders.
Dr. Kristina Kühn Frieda Klaus Dr. Andreas Saniter
Department: Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. Michael Gessler
-
2023–2027
WASABI – AI in human-centred manufacturing
WASABI will develop intelligent digital assistance solutions, thereby enabling SMEs to recruit new staff more quickly and to provide training and further education in a more efficient, employee-centred manner. The solutions will enable employees to interact with complex software using natural language, thereby meeting skills requirements.
Department: Prof. Dr.-Ing. Maren Petersen
Completed projects
-
2017–2018
WB-IBB SO – Research support project for the BMBF funding directive on the internationalisation of VET
Problem statement: As the responsible ministry, the BMBF cooperates with selected partner countries through bilateral agreements and uses various instruments to involve VET stakeholders in international cooperation. Objectives: The research support project for the BMBF funding directive on the internationalisation of VET (WB-IBB) aims to identify and evaluate its effects, providing a basis for decisions on continuing and developing the ministry's VET funding activities. The exploratory phase (SO) prepared this work.
PD Dr. Susanne Peters Dr. Larissa Holle Dr. Kristina Kühn Dr. Christine Siemer Dr. Janis Vossiek
Department: Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. Michael Gessler
-
2017–2018
KofeBS – Assessing the competences of semi-skilled and unskilled people at vocational schools in preparation for an external examination
KofeBS develops and tests a competence assessment procedure at four vocational schools in Bremen. Its target group comprises semi-skilled and unskilled recipients of benefits under Books II and III of the German Social Code and employees without vocational qualifications. Tailored individual training measures will prepare them for external examinations. Funded by the European Social Fund (ESF), the project operates under the Senator for Economic Affairs, Labour and Ports' state programme ‘Progress through Education and Guidance’.
Dr. Vivian Harberts Dr. Michael Reinhold
Department: Prof. Dr. Falk Howe
-
2017–2020
LaSiDig – Load Securing Meets Media Literacy
Digitalisation of work and everyday life is transforming transport and logistics. Against this background, the BMBF-funded LaSiDig project develops an innovative learning solution for load securing, enabling employees to learn together in networks and within work processes while acquiring essential digital media competences. It covers load securing by road, rail, sea and air.
Jan Naumann Nils Petermann Nils Weinowski
Department: Prof. Dr.-Ing. Maren Petersen
-
2017–2020
MeMoApp – Media competence for mobile, app-based working and learning
The MeMoApp project, funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research and the European Social Fund, addresses professional drivers, an occupation with a particularly high degree of mobility. The occupational profile has changed fundamentally in recent years. Rising cognitive demands and the consequences of mediatisation and digitalisation confront employees with new challenges. Promoting media competence is an important prerequisite for meeting these challenges. To this end, MeMoApp has developed a company media education concept, under the umbrella term MekoSmartHub, as the basis for systematically integrating the promotion of media competence into the company’s working and learning culture. In addition, a mobile app that supports professional drivers in their daily work was developed in close cooperation with the practice partners.
Dr. Kristina Kühn Michael Sander
Department: Prof. Dr. Falk Howe
-
2016–2020
TEEDE – Towards Excellence in Engineering Curricula for Dual Education
The project aims to modernise, broaden and internationalise higher education in Germany, Spain, Finland, Italy, Russia, China, Cambodia and India. It also supports intercultural and personal exchange and, in non-EU countries, closer alignment with European higher education developments. Partners identify needs and key sectors and, guided by European experts, modernise curricula, particularly through dual degree programmes integrating company-based learning. A system of continuing professional development and student advisory centres will be established at universities in non-EU countries. Key outputs are new or revised engineering curricula based on a common methodology combining local labour-market analysis and innovative dual provision.
Iris Klein Dr. Andreas Saniter Nils Weinowski
Department: Prof. Dr. Falk Howe
-
2016–2017
HSB flex – Evaluation of university of applied sciences degree programmes
Formative evaluation of the HSBflex project at Bremen University of Applied Sciences: The study examined the extent to which the measures introduced to facilitate flexible study programmes – ranging from the recognition of formally and informally acquired skills, through bridging modules and blended-learning modules, to professional development programmes for teaching staff and a mentoring programme – in the Bachelor’s degree programme in Mechatronics and the Master’s degree programme in Business Management – achieve their objectives.
Department: Prof. Dr. Falk Howe
-
2016–2018
STRIDE – STRategIes for the Digital Education
Problem statement: Digitalisation affects every economic and social sector and increasingly schools. Yet uncertainty remains about how schools can reshape their provision and profile in response to technological change, including teaching, external communications, work-related communication and organisational processes. STRIDE's objectives were: (1) To develop and validate open-access learning provision enabling school stakeholders to devise systematic, institution-specific digitalisation strategies; (2) To create an online environment for sharing school digitalisation strategies and experiences.
Department: Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. Michael Gessler
-
2016–2019
IntAGt – Integrating preventive occupational health and safety into initial and advanced training occupations in Industry 4.0
The IntAGt collaborative project was part of the BMBF funding priority ‘Preventive measures for the safe and healthy work of tomorrow’. Its aim was to develop and implement measures to promote healthy skilled work conducive to learning in digitalised industrial production. The project’s starting point was the central thesis that skilled workers, as (co-)designers of their own work, and managers alike need the competence to design work in ways that promote health. Work analyses using an analytical procedure combining methods from occupational psychology and occupational science made it possible to describe the occupational fields of activity of assembly, system operation and maintenance in terms of competence requirements as well as health-promoting and stressful working conditions. On this basis, various learning and teaching concepts aimed at in-company training, vocational schools and advanced training institutions, such as technician schools, were developed, tested and made available.
Dr. Claudia Fenzl Annette Baimler-Dietz Christian Daniel Dr. Christian Staden Raphael von Galen
Department: Prof. Dr. Falk Howe
-
2016–2017
Namibia I and II – Promoting vocational training
The aim of the project is to use on-site surveys to assess the training needs of vocational school teachers ("trainers/instructors") and, based on this data, to develop a work-process-based teaching and learning concept, implement it in workshops and assess its effectiveness. Furthermore, the project aims to identify opportunities for further support in promoting vocational training at a local level.
Department: Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. Michael Gessler
-
2016–2019
DMi! – Inclusive digital media. Connecting digital media and inclusive learning in primary schools and teacher education
DMi! therefore aimed to embed core media-didactic competences in the curriculum through seven concrete concepts. Broad cooperation connected subject didactics in German, mathematics, primary science and social studies, and work studies with computer science, educational psychology and media education. Addressing heterogeneity, a particular focus of Bremen teacher education, links the concepts: digital media's potential can be used particularly effectively for individual support across subjects. The seven concepts thus also contribute to developing shared learning in inclusive classrooms.
Department: Prof. Dr. Falk Howe
-
2016–2018
DigiProB – A learning concept and tool system for integrating learning and experience in the construction industry
DigiProB was funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research from 1 March 2016 to 31 October 2018 under ‘Digital Media in VET’ (DIMEBB 2). At Bau ABC, northern Germany's largest inter-company construction training centre, it used digital tools to redesign advanced training for construction team leaders, foremen and certified site supervisors towards stronger action orientation.
Dr. Ludger Deitmer Dr. Lars Heinemann Werner Müller Dr. Christian Staden PD Dr. Rainer Bremer
Department: Prof. Dr. Falk Howe
-
2016
naMeko – Operationalisation of the concepts of ‘IT and media literacy as entry requirements for vocational training’
On behalf of (and in cooperation with) the Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training (BIBB), and in collaboration with the Institute for Information Management Bremen GmbH (ifib), this study examines the question of what media and IT skills pupils should possess upon entering vocational training in order to meet the increased demands of a ‘digitalised world of work’. To this end, the study addresses the following areas: •
Department: Prof. Dr. Falk Howe
-
2015–2018
nabus – Sustainable construction and renovation – Cross-trade training for trainers and apprentices
NaBuS trains VET personnel in northern Germany as multipliers for sustainable vocational education.
Dr. Joanna Burchert PD Dr. Rainer Bremer
Department: Prof. Dr. Falk Howe
-
2015–2018
ProBBP – Professional analysis, conceptual development and pilot implementation of a part-time bachelor’s programme in vocational and workplace education
ProBBP aimed to develop and pilot a bachelor's programme in Vocational and Workplace Education building on the advanced qualifications ‘Certified Vocational Educator’ and ‘Certified Initial and Continuing Training Educator’, thereby contributing to the professionalisation of continuing education personnel.
Werner Müller Dr. Klaus Ruth PD Dr. Rainer Bremer
Department: Prof. Dr. Falk Howe
-
2015–2018
METALS – Machine Tool Alliance for Skills
Developing innovative learning units on new machine-tool technologies: METALS used a collaborative, cross-national comparative approach to develop learning units that would help apprentices and skilled workers close the gap between existing qualifications and future requirements.
Dr. Ludger Deitmer Pekka Kämäräinen Dr. Michael Reinhold Dr. Andreas Saniter
Department: Prof. Dr. Falk Howe
-
2015–2018
HAKS – Craft training for climate protection
Buildings are a major starting point for climate protection, accounting for around 40% of Germany's CO₂ emissions. Achieving national climate targets requires energy consumption reductions of approximately 80–90% by 2050. Current renovation rates indicate an urgent need for action. HAKS aimed to overcome key, frequently cited barriers to highly energy-efficient renovation sustainably and in the long term. Its focus included networking, understanding other trades' working requirements, updating knowledge of technical solutions and alternative materials and products, using digital media, and improving company training and cooperation.
Werner Müller Dr. Klaus Ruth Alexander Seedorf Dr. Christian Staden
Department: Prof. Dr. Falk Howe
-
2015–2018
DiEDa – Developing continuing education didactics for self-organised learning with learner-oriented differentiation and purposeful use of digital media
DiEDa develops and tests a practically applicable approach to self-directed learning in different continuing VET contexts, grounded in vocational and media education and giving particular attention to digital media.
-
2015–2017
P4LLL-Tec – Partnerships for lifelong learning in engineering and technology
The project examined different models of cooperation between VET and higher education stakeholders designed to enable coherent learning pathways from initial training to university level and improve permeability between educational sectors.
Dr. Ursel Hauschildt Dr. Klaus Ruth PD Dr. Rainer Bremer
Department: Prof. Dr. Falk Howe
-
2015–2017
PACE – Promoting Employability through Entrepreneurial Actions in Cross-Border Student Enterprises
Problem statement: The 2007/2008 economic crisis increased youth unemployment, particularly in southern Europe. Objectives: The project aimed to enrich vocational training in three European regions (Spain, Italy and Germany) with additional provision to improve young people's employability.
Miguel Civera Dr. Kristina Kühn Lena Setzepfand
Department: Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. Michael Gessler
-
2015–2018
MESA – Media use in welding training
MESA promotes digital media use in vocational education in the welding sector. As a sector-specific innovation, welding simulators offer clear learning advantages, but effective use requires a pedagogical framework that does not yet exist. MESA integrates digital media into a needs-based, pedagogically grounded concept supporting both general inter-company welding training and company training.
Christian Daniel Torsten Grantz Dr. Sven Schulte
Department: Prof. Dr.-Ing. Maren Petersen