Vocational training in the administration of the German bundestag

Abstract

The delivery of training to the 2500-strong workforce of the administration of the german bundestag takes place through initial, vocational and further training programs.

To ensure efficient and effective performance by staff and to adapt and develop their knowledge and skills, the employees, line managers, personnel administration and the training section - supported by training officers and monitored by the Equal Opportunities Officer, workforce representatives, and the representatives of disabled employees - work together in an ongoing process.

To identify training needs, a systematic analysis is required; however, this can only be achieved in the medium term. The instruments currently used by the administration to identify training needs include employees' reviews, advice sessions, needs analysis, notification of needs, and statistical evaluations.

The selection of participants for training programs is based on the type of vocational training (job-related, function-related, general) and the urgency of the need for training.

Training needs are met primarily by the federal training providers, especially the Federal Academy of Public Administration which is run by the Federal Ministry of the Interior, the Federal College of Public Administration, and the Federal Office of Languages. The services of external training agencies are used for specialized courses and for training in information and communications technology. There has been a noticeable increase in the number of courses organized and delivered in-house.

The administration has now developed its own vocational training strategy based on the Personnel Management and Development Guidelines. The strategy is intended to be a guide to in-service vocational training for all persons working in the administration of the german bundestag. In future, the administration wishes to focus more intensively on quality assurance and transfer control.