4.7 Befufsfortbildungswerk (bfw) Ms E Meyer, Project Manager, led the presentation which highlighted the following key issues: . The bfw was one of the first institutions of continuing education in former West Germany. It was founded in 1953 by the Deustcher Gewerkschafts Bund (DGB) / Confederation of German Trade Unions. . The key principles of bfw included, but not limited to; commitment to the fundamental concept of trade unions, protection of employees' rights and support work councils in determining employees' educational needs. . Bfw was one of the largest suppliers of job qualifications and training courses in Germany. It was a certified and accredited educational institution with approximately 2000 employees and 60 000 students. . Bfw focused on three areas of responsibility, namely, Vocational Training and Retraining (in collaboration with businesses), preparation for vocational training of adolescents and continuing professional training of adults, employed or unemployed. . In terms of vocational training, bfw cooperated with business to conduct apprenticeships for adolescents who were unable to find a company prepared to employ them. . In terms of vocational retraining, bfw trained adults with or without qualifications in a new profession. The institution offered theoretical training while business and companies offered practical, on-the-job training. The duration of the training was between 20 - 24 months. . The German federal and state governments offered grants to occupational and vocational education and training centres. These monies largely came from tax contributions paid by all employees (50%) and employers (50%). These funds had to be applied for in a highly competitive market. In order to obtain such a grant, innovative project ideas for specific areas of individuals were required. . The bfw was looking for interested partners to work with them, or who intended to establish a similar system of vocational training in their own countries.