The research examines careers information, educational and career aspirations, and post-school educational choices that are relevant to the transition to vocational training, university or the labour market. Transitioning to and from training programmes as well as from the general education system are taken into account. The IAB also analyses the context and effects of training and education. Another focus of research is the importance of training and development in times of technological change and environmental transformation. The effects of institutional changes and measures taken by the Federal Employment Agency play a key role in this context. These include mechanisms for promoting and advising on CPD and to support the move into education or training.
Research is based on an unparalleled range of data sets, including administrative data and survey data, such as from the National Education Panel and the IAB Establishment Panel. Moreover, linked data products – such as the Skilled Trades Panel – enable more in-depth analysis of training activities that are relevant to the labour market.
The projects planned for 2026 will firstly concentrate on individuals’ educational choices when transitioning from school to the labour market, and the longer-term consequences of these choices. Important data sources in this regard include the ‘BeYou – Berufswahl und Du’ survey and the BA-BIBB-IAB applicant study. Particular attention will be given to certain groups of people such as schoolchildren in need of support, and the research will explore the impact that attending a special-needs school rather than a mainstream school has on employment opportunities. Analysis of a survey of people participating in skills development courses is also planned.
Research into CPD will focus on the obstacles to undertaking such training. This will involve analysing not only individuals’ expectations regarding costs and earnings from CPD but also differences in the level of participation in specific CPD forms such as digital learning. The labour market impacts of subsidised CPD will be another focal point, with the effect of CPD in IT professions on employment being of particular interest, along with the implications of the use of virtual learning formats.
Other projects will focus on the role of CPD in developing and adapting skills at a time of structural change in the labour market. The importance of CPD for the environmental transformation will be examined, together with the impact of technological innovations – especially the use of AI applications – on skills profiles and requirements. Finally, the question of how CPD activities have developed in recent years will be explored, with a particular emphasis on inequalities in participation in ongoing professional development.
Activities
- Publications on the topic: Education and the Labour Market
- Projects on the topic: Education and the Labour Market
Departments
- Research Department Active Labour Market Policies and Integration
- Research Group Occupations in the Transformation
- Research Department Establishments and Employment
- Research Department Education, Training, and Employment Over the Life Course
- Regional Research Network
- Junior Research Group Occupations and Employment Trajectories
- Working Group Occupations
- Working Group Further Training
