- The BIBB service centre launched an online portal in May 2026 as a central platform for Germany's CVET agencies.
- The first nationwide networking meeting for CVET agencies was held in June 2026 at BIBB in Bonn.
- Regional agencies were unified under one structure in 2024 under the National Continuing Education Strategy.
- The portal will be expanded in stages with a knowledge library and community tool to disseminate good advisory practice.
- The service centre was established in December 2024 by the Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs and implemented by BIBB.
Background: Rising demand for new knowledge and skills
Digitalization, AI and decarbonisation all require new skills and deeper expertise. Because of this, continuing vocational education and training (CVET) is growing in importance, yet navigating the wide range of available courses is challenging. Regional CVET agencies act as a single point of contact, bringing together the CVET programmes offered by various institutions in their region and providing advice on tailored continuing training programmes for individuals and businesses.
Regional agencies unified under one structure
German CVET agencies are familiar with both the provision and the needs for CVET in their regions. They link the Federal Employment Agency's advisory services with those of local stakeholders, creating regional networks that serve as central contact points and offer coordinated, needs-based continuing vocational education advice. Under the National Continuing Education Strategy, these agencies were systematically unified under one name and structure in 2024, building on earlier regional networks and advisory centres.
Since December 2024, these regional networks have been supported by the service centre for CVET agencies, an initiative of the Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs implemented by the Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training (BIBB). A key objective is to raise the profile of successful CVET guidance approaches nationwide, support the professionalisation of regional guidance networks, and offer a platform for supra-regional exchange and networking.
New online portal connects CVET stakeholders and shares best practices
In May 2026, the service centre launched an online portal that serves as a central platform for information, knowledge and networking among continuing vocational education agencies and other CVET stakeholders. The portal brings together specialist information, provides practical examples and funding information, and offers opportunities for exchange. In future, the portal will be expanded in stages with features such as a knowledge library and community tool to help disseminate successful advisory approaches.
First nationwide networking meeting in Bonn
In June 2026, representatives from CVET agency networks, academia and politics gathered at BIBB in Bonn for the first nationwide networking meeting. Under the guiding principle 'Staying one step ahead of change: shaping continuing vocational training guidance for the future together', the focus was on the exchange of good practice, the development of joint solutions and the further networking of guidance stakeholders.
Regional guidance networks play a key role in providing guidance within an increasingly complex CVET landscape and actively supporting structural change, BIBB emphasises in the report on the networking meeting.
Key points
- Online portal for CVET agencies launched in May 2026 by the BIBB service centre
- First nationwide networking meeting for CVET agencies held in June 2026 at BIBB in Bonn
- Regional agencies unified under one structure in 2024 under the National Continuing Education Strategy
- Portal to be expanded in future with a knowledge library and community tool
- Service centre established in December 2024 by the Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs, implemented by BIBB