Projects
Ongoing projects
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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2015–2017
Quality development in environmental education outside schools
The project supports quality development in environmental education centres. Their educational work enables children, young people and adults to acquire systemic knowledge for evaluating and acting on key issues such as biodiversity, climate protection and resource conservation. Centres emphasise authenticity, emotional and motivating experiences, and opportunities for practical collective environmental action, often cooperating with schools and other sectors of society.
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2015–2017
DiMBA – Digital media in company-based vocational education and training
In cooperation with the Institute for Information Management Bremen GmbH (ifib) and on behalf of (and in cooperation with) the Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training (BIBB), this research project investigated the use of digital media in company-based training practice and, on this basis, developed materials for training staff. The central questions of the research and development project were: How do in-company training staff select digital media for everyday initial and continuing training practice? How are digital media integrated into initial and continuing training processes? What support do in-company training staff need in order to integrate digital media optimally into initial and continuing training?
Department: Prof. Dr. Falk Howe
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2015–2016
Educational mentors for young refugees II
In this teaching-learning project, students take on the role of mentors for unaccompanied young people with a refugee background. The students accompany and support the young people on their educational path and are prepared and supported within the accompanying seminar.
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2015–2016
Vocational Trainer@Skills Development Phase II
(Extension of the BP@Kom II project) The ‘Berufspädagoge@Kompentenzerweiterung’ project focuses on the development, piloting and long-term establishment of the part-time Bachelor’s degree programme in ‘Vocational Education and Training’. It is based on a ‘triple-track approach’ aimed at the professionalisation of vocational trainers (IHK), trainers and further education providers, as well as other vocational target groups (e.g. technicians and master craftsmen).
Dr. Claudia Fenzl Dr. Roland Tutschner
Department: Prof. Dr. Falk Howe
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2015–2016
Weiter mit Bildung und Beratung (Continuing with education and guidance), sub-segment subsequent qualification
In the state programme “Weiter mit Bildung und Beratung” (Continuing with education and guidance), public actors whose regular tasks include initiating and promoting vocational education processes work together under a virtual umbrella. The aim of this cooperation is to build up a municipal offer that is widely visible to citizens in the state of Bremen.
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2015–2017
NewStart – Company-based training as an opportunity for university drop-outs
The project networks various stakeholders and institutions of VET and higher education in Bremen in order to realise a recruitment, information and guidance structure that transfers university drop-outs into vocational qualification in SMEs in a precisely tailored way.
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2015–2017
MIDIA – Migration-related difference in company-based preparation for vocational training
This ethnographic study investigates company-based preparation for training among young men from migrant backgrounds who, despite participating in transition-system programmes, are disadvantaged in accessing fully qualifying vocational training. It particularly examines workplace training staff's actions to understand migration-related distinctions within constructions of difference in educational practice.
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2014–2016
dualTRAIN – Development of a sustainable approach to introducing the dual vocational training system in Portugal and Spain
The aim of the dualTRAIN project is to develop an approach for introducing a dual vocational training system, such as that which already exists in Germany, in Portugal and Spain within the footwear industry. A preparatory step in this regard is to examine the German dual training system as it applies to the footwear industry by means of a qualitative SWOT analysis.
Dr. Andreas Saniter PD Dr. Rainer Bremer
Department: Prof. Dr. Falk Howe
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2014–2016
EkoZet Learning Space – Development and testing of teaching and learning modules for using EkoZet as a vocational training learning space for innovative energy technology
Taking into account the growing diversity of technologies and approaches to implementing solutions aimed at highly efficient energy use presents a constant challenge for vocational schools, workplaces and inter-company training centres (ÜBA), not least because of the investment and resources required.
Department: Prof. Dr. Falk Howe
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2014–2017
Brofessio – Occupational professionalism in manufacturing
Problem statement: In view of advancing digitalisation and changing worlds of work, continuing in-company training faces new challenges in realising learning integrated into work processes. Objectives: The collaborative project aimed to develop media-supported learning formats linking work and learning.
Dr. Daniela Ahrens Torsten Grantz Dr. Christian Staden
Department: Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. Michael Gessler
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2014–2017
WSF China – Workforce Skill Formation and Innovation at the Shop-Floor Level in China
Problem statement: While German companies increasingly internationalise, German VET research remains nationally focused or, at most, European. Little is therefore known about how companies abroad develop and train shop-floor workers in different socio-cultural and political environments. Objectives: The exploratory project sought insights into VET internationally, beyond familiar national and European boundaries.
Dr. Larissa Holle Dr. Klaus Ruth
Department: Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. Michael Gessler
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2014–2016
MariePRO – Promoting Maritime ECVET Actions
In the maritime sector, content components of vocational education and training are regulated, bindingly for all countries, by the standards of the “International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers” (STCW) formulated by the International Maritime Organization (IMO). The aim of the convention is globally uniform minimum regulations for maritime education and for qualifications in the fields of engineering and watchkeeping.
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2014
Study on school leavers and retention rates in Bremen and Bremerhaven 2013/14
The study on school leavers and retention rates is intended to generate policy insights that can be used in the planning and quality development of vocational guidance measures and in the planning of provision.
Dr. Andreas Sebe-Opfermann Dr. Anja-Christina Greppmair
Department: Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. Michael Gessler
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2014
LuRa – Apprenticeship in Aerospace Service Technologies – Improving the quality of training
The project addresses the regional shortage of skilled workers in the aircraft maintenance sector (MRO). The reorganisation of aircraft maintenance occupations, which came into effect in August 2013, has created a fundamental need to restructure vocational training in this field. The project aims to support vocational colleges and training organisations in the effective implementation of the necessary processes.
Department: Prof. Dr. Falk Howe
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2013–2017
EcoBRU – Ecological Education for Belarus, Russia and Ukraine
The project promotes lifelong learning in Belarus, Russia and Ukraine for vocational school and general school teachers. It develops and delivers e-learning continuing education courses on environmental education, supporting the three governments' efforts to embed environmental education throughout their education systems.
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2013–2017
ArKoH – Work-process-oriented competence development for the port of the future
Problem statement: Advancing digitalisation in ports (particularly at port terminals and in the area of industrial trucks) is leading to new competence requirements for skilled port workers. At the same time, competitive pressure among the north German ports is increasing, so that work processes tend to be viewed in terms of rationalisation and optimisation rather than their learning potential. Objectives: The aim of the ArKoH project was to develop a serious game for skilled port workers to support competence development.
Dr. Daniela Ahrens Dr. Sven Schulte
Department: Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. Michael Gessler
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2013–2016
AWPBBD – Initial and continuing training for educators and education managers in the field of diversity
The aim of the project is to qualify educators and education managers in the consecutive system of initial and continuing training for dealing constructively with diversity in educational institutions and organisations. Target groups in initial training are students of BA and MA programmes in the fields of teacher education, pedagogy and social pedagogy as well as doctoral candidates.
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2013–2015
Governance and financing of apprenticeship
The Cedefop study deals with the structures of political-administrative governance and financing of apprenticeship and other forms of dual vocational training in five European countries, addressing the question of how these systemic structures can be further developed in order to expand dual vocational training. The project follows the action research approach and involves experts and practitioners in the evaluation of the structures and the development of recommendations for action.
Dr. Ursel Hauschildt Dr. Wolfgang Wittig PD Dr. Rainer Bremer
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2013–2014
Supporting continuing professional development of trainers in enterprises
The Cedefop study “Supporting continuing professional development of trainers in enterprises” examined the role and the continuing training behaviour of in-company trainers in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
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2013–2016
LETAE – Labour Efficiency of Tertiary Adult Education
The aim of the project is to examine the strategies and programmes of higher education institutions in the context of tertiary lifelong learning (TLL) with regard to their relevance for labour markets.