Wertschätzende betriebliche Ausbildungskultur für die Generation Z

The main goal of our project was to enhance the accessibility, quality, and long-term sustainability of dual vocational education and training (VET) in Austria and Germany, especially for socially...

The main goal of our project was to enhance the accessibility, quality, and long-term sustainability of dual vocational education and training (VET) in Austria and Germany, especially for socially disadvantaged youth. We aimed to reduce dropout rates and support smoother transitions into and through apprenticeships by promoting an inclusive training culture that acknowledges young people’s diverse life situations and values. A key focus was to help companies adapt their training practices to the expectations of Generation Z – particularly in terms of recognition, motivation, and communication. To this end, we developed scientifically grounded, practice-oriented materials such as a brochure and educational videos for trainers. By engaging with the sociological concept of recognition, we aimed to strengthen relationships between apprentices and training providers and to support a more attractive, equitable VET system for the future.

As part of our project, we carried out three key activities: (1) A 65-page transnational report based on a narrative literature review and 16 expert interviews in Austria and Germany. The report analyzes structural and cultural challenges in dual vocational training, with a special focus on disadvantaged youth from Generation Z. (2) A practice-oriented brochure (60 pages) and five animated learning videos (each 5–6 minutes), designed for in-company trainers. These materials offer practical tools to promote a respectful, inclusive, and appreciative training culture. (3) A targeted dissemination strategy, including the publication of all outputs on relevant platforms and a virtual transnational multiplier event with stakeholders from both countries. During the event, the materials were presented, their practical use demonstrated, and their continued distribution encouraged. All project materials were published under a Creative Commons CC BY license to ensure open access and long-term usability. The project generated both concrete outputs and broader impact by contributing to the ongoing professional and public discourse on vocational education and generational change

Concrete Outputs: The project produced three key outputs: (1) A 65-page transnational report based on a literature review and 16 expert interviews, analyzing dual vocational training in Austria and Germany with a focus on disadvantaged Generation Z youth. It integrates Axel Honneth’s theory of recognition and was published under a CC BY license. (2) A 60-page practice-oriented brochure for in-company trainers, offering concrete strategies for fostering an appreciative and inclusive training culture. (3) Five publicly available animated videos (5–6 minutes each) that translate core findings into accessible learning tools on themes such as motivation, communication, and generational expectations. Further Results and Impact: The materials were adopted by the Austrian project “Lehre statt Leere” (ÖSB Group) and are now used in workshops with vocational counsellors. The open licensing model ensures long-term accessibility and adaptability. Moreover, the project contributed to academic discourse through poster presentations and planned publications, helping to advance reflection on recognition, social inequality, and generational change in vocational education.