Democracy

Center for Democracy in Vocational Education

Vocational education is more than just professional training — it’s a space where social life unfolds and democratic values are negotiated. It provides a forum for discussing how we live together in a democratic society. The Center supports initiatives that strengthen democratic structures, practices, and content within vocational education.

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About the project

Vocational education reaches a broad and diverse group of people at all stages of working life, making it a key arena for strengthening democracy. Yet, democratic issues often play only a minor role in its content.

The project Center for Democracy in Vocational Education (FaDem) aims to highlight the untapped potential for embedding democratic structures and practices in vocational training. It supports the development of vocational education as a space for democratic coexistence.

To achieve this, the Center collaborates with stakeholders from academia, practice, policy, the world of work, and public administration. Its goal is to raise lasting awareness of the connections between democracy, vocational education, and the workplace — and to establish innovative concepts and approaches. A particular focus is placed on the transition phase between school and work.

Vocational education plays a vital role in a democratic society. It offers unique opportunities to promote democratic values and address pressing social challenges.

It reaches a wide range of people — from young trainees to diverse groups in the workforce — as well as the professionals who support them in vocational schools, companies, and public institutions. This makes it a powerful platform for fostering democratic engagement across all levels of working life.

To strengthen and protect democracy within vocational education, the Center fosters dialogue on the role and relevance of democracy across multiple levels — including public administration, politics, academia, the world of work, and diverse learning environments.

This exchange lays the groundwork for embedding key democratic values such as participation, agency, diversity, appreciation, and recognition more deeply into educational approaches and the organizational cultures of vocational education.

As part of its networking activities, the Center works closely with ministries, public authorities, and other key stakeholders in vocational education. In addition, the Center shares its expertise through practical tools such as guidelines, policy briefs, and examples of good practice.

The project is carried out in cooperation with the Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training (BIBB).