North Rhine-Westphalia: New courses for future-proof professions!

North Rhine-Westphalia: New courses for future-proof professions!

North Rhine-Westphalia recently introduced two new courses at vocational colleges: the vocational school for engineering technology and the technical college of computer science. This decision follows successful school tests and was approved by the cabinet in the last week of January. School Minister Dorothee Feller emphasizes how crucial modern vocational training is for the future of young people. The new educational offers should help promote specific skills in promising professions.

The vocational school for engineering technology has been tested at 22 vocational colleges since the 2019/2020 school year. Here the students acquire valuable skills in construction, mechanical engineering and electrical engineering, which they prepare for activities in the engineering field. On the other hand, the technical college for computer science, which has been running at nine schools since the school year 2020/2021, offers special priorities. This includes software development, operating systems and networks that the students optimally prepare for the start of the career in IT or for a university of applied sciences.

integration into the education system

The draft of the new regulation is now being transferred to the state parliament and discussed in the committee for school and education. If the school committee was approved, the new courses could be set up as early as the school year 2025/2026. Note: The school authorities have the opportunity to submit applications to the establishment of the new courses for the coming school year.

The technical college (FOS) is particularly aimed at students who have a secondary school leaving certificate or an equivalent educational qualification. The aim of the FOS is to obtain the technical college entrance qualification, which entitles you to start studying at universities of applied sciences. The technical college is divided into various disciplines, including technology, business, social affairs and design. This structure enables the students to specialize in an area that corresponds to their interests and professional goals.

practical training and key competencies

An integrated internship is an integral part of the training at the FOS. This offers the students valuable insights into the professional world and can significantly promote their future career opportunities. In addition, the technical college attaches great importance to the development of key skills such as teamwork, problem -solving skills and independence. Graduates from the technical college receive the technical college entrance qualification that improves their opportunities on the labor market and is a sign of acquired expertise and practical skills.

The education system in Germany from which these new programs emerged has developed over the centuries. Since the introduction of compulsory schooling in the 18th century, there has been a long tradition of school education. It is a system that is not only based on rational considerations, but is also strongly shaped by cultural and socio -economic processes. Despite all the challenges, the importance of education for social integration and identity has remained undisputed.

Overall, the new courses in North Rhine-Westphalia show an important step in the direction of contemporary training that meets the requirements of the labor market and opens up comprehensive perspectives for the pupils to successfully design their professional career.