What are vocational training centers (BBW) and what role do they play in vocational training?

Silke Gersbeck, Head of Training at Berufsbildungswerk Nordhessen, provided answers to these questions today as part of the lecture "Introduction to Vocational and Business Education" (Prof. Dr. Michael Goller) at the University of Kassel. It was an exciting insight, which was appropriately framed by interested questions from the vocational teacher training students. Many thanks for this, dear Silke!

Very briefly for all those (previously) uninformed:

Vocational training centers offer young people with special needs (e.g. learning difficulties as well as physical or mental impairments) support in vocational orientation, vocational training and integration into the labor market. The aim is to enable qualified vocational training through individual support. This is ensured by an interprofessional team of trainers, teachers, coaches, social education workers, doctors, psychologists and support and remedial teachers. From an individual perspective, the aim is to promote the professional and personal autonomy and social participation of young people who, for various reasons, have not yet been able to realize their potential (e.g. in the context of general education). From a social perspective, it is about raising a hidden reserve that is urgently needed in many areas of the labor market.