Vocational degree act passes first reading

University rectors protest at degree names that could ‘confuse’ training with university qualifications

Germany’s lower house has passed its reformed Vocational Training Act, which will award titles such as bachelor professional and masters professional to people who complete vocational training if it gets the final go-ahead.

The act and its implications have met with criticism from academics. But Anja Karliczek, Germany’s research minister, said the move would make the country’s professional qualifications system more comparable with other higher education systems that include more vocational training. “The dual system of vocational education and training is now becoming even more attractive, flexible and international,” she said.