In view of far-reaching transformation processes in society and the world of work, universities are currently increasingly meeting the growing demand for part-time specialist qualifications with academic continuing education formats that are characterised by short durations and a manageable workload. The programmes, which are sometimes designed in the form of microcredentials, usually conclude with a certificate or a certificate of attendance and are aimed at both academically and professionally pre-qualified specialists. Unlike non-academic adaptation training programmes, however, these continuing education formats enable interfaces and transitions into the study system and thus into formal education. This publication presents the results of an exploratory study aimed at gaining a more detailed insight into the underlying higher education self-perceptions and premises with regard to the qualification of skilled workers. In view of the great importance of the discipline for the implementation of sustainability-oriented procedures in the world of work and its application-oriented self-image, it focussed on the engineering sciences as an example.

Angela Fogolin , Wissenschaftliche Mitarbeiterin des Bundesinstituts für Berufsbildung (Bonn), Arbeitsbereich Lehren und Lernen, Bildungspersonal