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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2013–2015
ReSoLVe – Reinventing Subtitling for Language Learning in Vocational Education
User-generated content, as a key feature of Web 2.0 applications, offers enormous learning potential in vocational education. By producing explanatory videos on a small work task, apprentices deepen their understanding of the task, develop an awareness of the complexity of their work, and gain a sense of purpose in their profession.
Miguel Civera Dr. Eileen Lübcke Lena Setzepfand
Department: Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. Michael Gessler
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2013–2015
METALOG – Metaframework for Logistics
In previous projects foundations were laid for improved, more transparent, more innovative qualifications and training in the sector. The METALOG project aims at concerting and transferring efforts hitherto undertaken by various European logistics projects and initiatives and to consolidate and broaden existing networks and partnerships in the sector.
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2013–2015
APPRENTSOD – Use of Apprenticeship in the Vocational Integration of Socially Disadvantaged Youth
Access to vocational education and training proves problematic for many socially disadvantaged young people, not least due to previous difficulties in the general education school system.
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2013–2015
DERBI – Direct evaluation of vocational training outcomes in eleven industrial metal and electrical occupations
The aim of the “DERBI” project is to examine the examination variant “company-based assignment” (Betrieblicher Auftrag). With the reorganisation of the industrial metal and electrical occupations in 2004, the variant model was introduced. This model offers the option of choosing the variant “company-based assignment” for the practical examinations of part 2 of the final examination.
Claudia Koring Dr. Frank Musekamp Nils Petermann Dr. Tamara Riehle Dr. Andreas Saniter Prof. Dr. Georg Spöttl
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2013–2015
EUaBÜ – Ethnography-based classroom research in pre-vocational programmes of the transition system
The project examines everyday pedagogical practice in the transition system. Almost 300,000 young people enter a corresponding programme every year. From the perspective of employers’ associations, companies and teachers, young people who do not manage a direct transition into training after general education school appear to lack training maturity.
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2013–2014
Curriculum Oman – Curriculum development on the basis of work-process-based standards and competence models
Building on the 60 occupational standards that were developed in Oman for the industrial sector with ITB support using work process analyses, a continuation follows with the aim of developing curricula.
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2013–2014
NQvorE – Preparation for the external examination as a form of subsequent qualification
In the pilot project “Preparation for the external examination as a form of subsequent qualification”, the possibilities of the external examination for subsequent vocational qualification are for the first time developed, tested and used across the board for the subsequent qualification of semi-skilled and unskilled workers in the network of the partners of the Bremen Agreement.
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2013–2014
Automechanika – Study on “Wanted and Found! Recruiting apprentices in the motor vehicle trade”
Wanted and Found! Recruiting apprentices in the motor vehicle trade
Dr. Daniela Ahrens Dr. Frank Musekamp Nils Petermann Prof. Dr. Georg Spöttl
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2013–2014
RobidLog – Robotics in logistics. Target-group-specific continuing training for skilled workers and decision-makers
The aim of the RobidLOG project is to model an output-oriented, modular continuing training offer for the use of robotics in logistics, leading to an increased willingness to innovate among small and medium-sized enterprises in this field.
Dr. Jessica Blings Frank Molzow-Voit Florian Plönnigs Dr. Tamara Riehle Prof. Dr. Georg Spöttl
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2012–2014
Partnerships for lifelong learning in Europe: Towards greater permeability
The Cedefop study “Partnerships for lifelong learning” is coordinated by the ITB in cooperation with the research group I:BB, also based at the University of Bremen, and investigates how actors in the education system, particularly in the field of vocational education and training, support individual learning pathways and improve permeability within the education system through cooperation and partnerships.
Dr. Ursel Hauschildt Dr. Klaus Ruth Dr. Wolfgang Wittig PD Dr. Rainer Bremer
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2012–2013
Quality comparison of qualification processes for mechatronics technicians: Phase II
Initiation of an educational cooperation between Germany and the USA – binational comparative study on the training of mechatronics technicians in the automotive industry.
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2012–2013
BiMechCop II
Phase II concentrates on the concretisation of the discussion, in that a binational comparative study in the form of a benchmark is further detailed and carried through. The aim is to identify the conformities and the differences in the training of car mechatronics technicians in the automotive industry in both countries and to clarify whether any differences in training quality can be identified. The methodological approach for the comparison is based on comparable indicators, which are identified on the basis of the work requirements in the automotive industry as well as on curricular targets.
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2012–2016
Learning Layers – Scaling up Technologies for Informal Learning in SMEs
The (large-scale) project “Learning Layers”, launched in autumn 2012 within the 7th EU Framework Programme for Research (ICT priority), deals with the question of how Web 2.0 tools must be designed in order to specifically strengthen workplace learning of skilled workers and trainees in the main and ancillary construction trades.
Dr. Ludger Deitmer Graham Attwell Dr. Joanna Burchert Dr. Lars Heinemann Pekka Kämäräinen Werner Müller PD Dr. Rainer Bremer
Department: Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. Michael Gessler
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2012–2014
USM – Qualification concept for accident damage management
With a revenue share of about 60% of overall revenues and disproportionally high profit margins accidental damage repair is the most important column of an “average” running business in automotive dealers´ workshops.
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2012–2014
PIA2 – Enhancing the quality of teaching and learning in vocational education and training
Project management (PM) as a tool for developing and ensuring the quality of teaching in vocational education and training.
Miguel Civera Dr. Anja-Christina Greppmair Lena Setzepfand
Department: Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. Michael Gessler
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2012–2014
Cert‐Ent – Entrepreneurs in Construction Sector
The CertEnt project is a Leonardo innovation development project for which the Region of Tuscany (Italy) is responsible as contractor and which is coordinated by the Centro Edile per la Sicurezza e la Formazione di Perugia (Italy). Partners from Belgium, Germany, France, Greece, Italy, Spain and Cyprus are involved.
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2012–2015
LernenPlus – Promoting digital media literacy in entry-level vocational training
The project aims, within the context of what is known as ‘entry-level qualification’ (EQ) and using the ‘Chance plus’ programme as an example, to develop, test and roll out new approaches to promoting career-oriented media literacy amongst disadvantaged young people and the educational staff who work with them.
Dr. Andreas Saniter Dr. Joanna Burchert Dr. Eileen Lübcke Alexander Seedorf Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. Michael Gessler
Department: Prof. Dr. Falk Howe
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2012
Fostering Apprenticeship in India
The expert study “Fostering Apprenticeship in India” takes as its starting point the experiences of selected VET systems from countries such as the USA, Germany, France, the UK, Canada and Turkey. The central question was whether the vocational education practice of these countries offers starting points for the (further) development of Indian vocational training.
Dr. Ludger Deitmer PD Dr. Rainer Bremer
Department: Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. Michael Gessler
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2012–2014
Regional Cooperation Platform on Vocational Teacher Education in Asia (RCP)
The lack of highly qualified teachers and trainers who perform well in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) is a pervasive phenomenon in emerging economies in the ASEAN region. Teaching staff not only directly influences the quality of the workforce but also have an impact on the support of regional learning and innovation processes.
Dr. Joanna Burchert Dr. Tamara Riehle Dr. Klaus Ruth Dr. Sven Schulte Prof. Dr. Georg Spöttl
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2012–2017
BWP.online – CAREER CHOICE PASS.online
Since 2000, the Career Choice Passport has been used in general education schools in the form of a folder as a portfolio-based approach to support teaching and learning, with the aim of assisting pupils in their career guidance process. In a doctoral project spanning several years, the portfolio concept underlying the Career Choice Passport was used as a reference for the design of an e-portfolio concept in career guidance. In an iterative, cyclical research and development project based on the design-based research approach, both a web-based e-portfolio system – as a technical element – and a didactic framework for e-portfolio work in career guidance – as a pedagogical element – were developed and tested in school settings.
Department: Prof. Dr. Falk Howe