The new regulations are explained in the current new edition of "Vocational Training Law," which has now been published by DIHK Verlag. The previous edition was from April 2021. What specific changes have been made since then?

Valerie Merz: Key changes came into effect on August 1, 2024, with the Vocational Training Validation and Digitisation Act. Firstly, the validation procedure for individual vocational competency ("Validation") was anchored in the law. Secondly, regulations were created to enable more digital processes in vocational training. 

For example, apprenticeship contracts no longer necessarily require a signature and can also be concluded electronically. The possibilities for part-time vocational training have been further improved, especially through the addition of a simplified shortening to the duration of full-time training. 

Furthermore, the necessary travel times between vocational school and training location are now counted towards the training time of apprentices. Particularly noteworthy is the explicit legal anchoring of "digital mobile training." During the Corona period, we had already published a position paper on this and are pleased that the legislature has followed the companies' wishes and regulated mobile training in the Vocational Training Act (BBiG).

What can be understood under "Validation"?

Kathrin Tews: With the new legal possibilities, people without formal qualifications can have their professional skills, which they have often acquired over years "on the job," assessed and certified. This new validation procedure complements the existing instruments of vocational training and locates this task with the competent bodies according to BBiG, for example, the German Chamber of Commerce and Industry. 

In the vocational practice-oriented validation procedure, participants aged at least 25 must prove that they – even if they have no degree or are career changers – have comparable vocational competency in the specific profession. These certificates are also an opportunity for businesses, as they provide a transparent assessment of the professional skills of employees or even applicants. They can also more easily decide on further deployment opportunities or qualification potential.

How well are the IHKs prepared for this new task?

Tews: Over the past nine years, the IHKs have gained valuable experience through the BMBF-funded project Valikom Transfer, during which approximately 3,000 people in nearly 40 different professions were validated. Now, this developed procedure must be adapted to the new legal circumstances. The project experiences have shown that the target group was reached with this new vocational competency procedure. On average, the participants were 41 years old, and they could prove an average of 13 years of professional experience. 

What other innovations must businesses and IHKs prepare for?

Merz: There are still some minor changes that have been newly regulated under the keyword "Digitisation." For example, companies and apprentices can now agree on an electronic company certificate. Communication with the IHK is also simplified because the electronic contact details of apprentices, trainers, and instructors must be stored in the directory for vocational training relationships. 

To counteract the shortage of examiners, examiners no longer have to be on-site for certain exam performances but can now also be digitally connected. This option is intended to increase the flexibility of honorary positions and at the same time minimize travel times and costs as well as the associated compensation and exemption from work.

Who puts "Vocational Training Law" on their bookshelf?

Merz: I hope as many training companies as possible, as well as employees in the IHKs, but also examiners and lecturers who always need quick access to the relevant standards in the examination process.

Why is the work particularly important for chambers?

Tews: The IHKs play a crucial role in vocational training – from advising and supporting companies, even on the way to becoming a training company, to registering training relationships and conducting exams. Therefore, chambers must always be informed about all relevant laws first.

Are there also negative aspects of the new vocational training law?

Merz: The obligation to state the vocational school grade on the IHK certificate, which can now be implemented depending on state law, is viewed critically. In practice, the implementation will, according to the assessment of the German Chamber of Commerce and Industry, lead to significant additional effort as well as delays in the issuance of IHK certificates. 

All information on the topic is also offered in the fourth, revised edition of "Vocational Training Law: Collection of Laws and Texts." It comprises around 200 pages and can be ordered from DIHK Verlag at www.dihk-verlag.de.