In cooperation with the Hessian Ministry of Education and Cultural Affairs, two project priorities are currently being implemented in the overall topic of "Digitisation of vocational education and training":

• "Digitisation of vocational education and training - including scientific support for the preparation of a handbook and conceptual expansion and supplementation of curricula for the Hessian Ministry of Education and Cultural Affairs" (from 2019)
• Scientific studies on "digitisation of vocational education" (from 2020)

The focus "Digitisation in vocational education and training" discusses the influence of digitisation on the qualification of future skilled workers. In this context, teachers will be introduced to the technological change in technical professions through targeted in-service training and possibilities and approaches will be developed which are aimed at transforming these topics into teaching contexts. In the course of this, the learning field curricula were conceptually expanded (competencies), supplemented in terms of content (types of knowledge) and enriched with implementation examples by means of handouts for schools via curricular matrices, so that the didactic-methodological implementation of competence and action-oriented instruction in vocational schools is simplified and at the same time conceptually secured.

The focus on "Scientific studies on Digitisation of vocational education and training" deals with the current and future challenges of implementing digitisation in vocational teaching and learning and represents one that has once again been exacerbated not least by the suspension of classroom instruction at vocational schools triggered by the current situation. The empirical study evaluates the instruction-related use and implementation of digital features. In addition, teachers' assessments and perceptions of the relevance and acceptance of digitisation as well as questions regarding further training measures and needs in this area are also included. The study can further support the path taken by the Federal State of Hesse and the measures already implemented and contribute to the broader and more targeted implementation of digitally supported teaching and learning at vocational schools. 17 vocational schools in the federal state of Hesse are involved in the study.

The starting points and concepts of the scientific study were implemented in coordination with the Bavarian StMUK at 12 schools of our vocational school network.