We analyse current Vocational and Educational training (VET) policy, institutional and didactic challenges and develop proposals for overcoming them (e.g. special social challenges such as demographic change, migration, interlinking of vocational and academic education, heterogeneity of target groups, consequences of digitalisation for VET).

In our research and consultancy projects, we investigate these issues, analyse trends and movements and develop new concepts at the level of the vocational education and training system, individual occupations and sectors as well as educational institutions. In the field of education and training, we support managers in vocational education and training in the management and development of educational institutions (in particular vocational schools, further education providers and companies).

In the field of vocational education and training, we support educational institutions in the design of didactic education and training concepts, organisational development and personnel development. We support those involved through further training and counselling. We work together with representatives of vocational education and training policy to develop new steering instruments (e.g. competence-orientated curricula).

We research and advise on the following issues, among others:

• Development of higher vocational education and training

• New organisational structures in continuing education

• Personal development for young people in bridging programmes / in the transition sector

• Inclusion in vocational education and training

• Integration of young people from migrant and refugee backgrounds

• Interlinking vocational and academic education and training

• Municipal education management

• Development of teaching and training staff in vocational education and training

• Development of vocational education and training systems in emerging and developing countries

• Dualisation of vocational education and training in international vocational education and training cooperation

• Possibilities and limits of transfer in vocational education and training

The IWP is involved as a co-initiator and sponsor in the "Ostschweizer Kompetenzzentrum für Berufsbildung" (OKB). The annual OKB Symposium is intended to encourage the inclusion and further development of topics in various vocational education and training institutions. The aim of the OKB is to bring together the various players in vocational education and training and to facilitate dialogue.