BOBBS

The professional environment is going through a dynamic change. Students at the end of the 1^st secondary education or at the beginning of the 2^nd secondary education are confronted with the decision of their professional perspectives and possibilities, as well as with planning their further education (e.g., vocational training or studying at a university). Vocational schools in comparison to general schools aren’t obligated to systematically and regularly provide help with future career choices for their students. Students choosing a professional specialisation in a full-time education, makes them appear to have a glimpse of future career choices. Since there is no regulation, the range of programmes regarding future career choices is depending on the commitment of the school, the teacher and on the existing capacities. In contrast to that is the need of (additional) programmes regarding future career choices in the full-time education programs at vocational schools because the specific choice between the variety of professions and courses of studies isn’t made yet. New professions are developed or existing ones are changing because of social and technical developments. Potentially, students will realise during their internship that the chosen profession or field isn’t compatible with their competences and interests.

The goal of the project “Zusätzliche Berufliche Orientierung an niedersächsischen öffentlichen berufsbildenden Schulen“ (acronym: bobbs) therefore is the conception, development and trial of specific school type formats, vocational sector formats and regional formats  of additional vocational orientation programs for students of vocational schools in Lower-Saxony.

The contracting authority is the Ministry of Education and the Arts of Lower-Saxony with the resources of the Ministry of Education and Research. The “Bildungswerk der Niedersächsischen Wirtschaft (BNW)” takes over the development and conception of the programs in this joint research project. The joint research project is consulted by the department of Vocational Studies and Economic Education of Osnabrück University.