iMOVE, along with the Federal Ministry of Education and Research, the Federal Institute for Vocational Education, and the International Continuing Education and Development gGmbH were in Washington, DC, from February 25th to 28th, 2006, in order to present the services and capabilities of vocational education and training available in Germany.

For the first time, Germany participated in the Trade Fair, which took place at the same time as the annual conference of the National Association of Workforce Boards (NAWB). A total of over 2,000 individuals from the USA and abroad attended the event.

The National Association of Workforce Boards is the umbrella organisation of over 600 Workforce Investment Boards across the country with approximately 15,000 members. 

Workforce Investment Boards are networks of companies, government bodies and educational institutions, which develop and implement models for promising skilled trade qualifications. The primary objective is to strengthen cooperation between businesses and the educational system, as well as the ongoing exchange between the two. 

The booth, which was organized by iMOVE and the German Embassy in Washington, was an excellent platform on which to stage the services and capabilities of German vocational education and training, as “Training – Made in Germany“ enjoys a very good reputation in the USA. 

Numerous discussions took place with representatives of the Workforce Investment Boards, in order to define and establish solid cooperations in select areas. 

In order to strengthen bilateral discussions, a group of representatives from important institutions in the USA will be invited to Germany, whereupon which iMOVE will organize a Trade Mission to the USA.