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21st IG Metall Conference for those working in vocational education and training: Prompts & Empowerment – Who controls AI in vocational education and training?

2026-05-20

Artificial intelligence is transforming the world of work. It is influencing the way we produce, communicate and learn. To ensure that workers and businesses keep pace, vocational training must adapt to these changes. IG Metall also highlights three reasons why AI is a key issue that took centre stage at the 21st symposium:

  •     New demands on skilled workers: AI systems are taking over tasks that were previously carried out by humans. Skilled workers need additional digital skills to work with and control AI.
  •     Ensuring the quality of training: Exams, learning platforms and further training are supported by AI. Those who understand the technology can use it effectively and prevent misuse.
  •     Strengthening co-determination and rights: AI must not be shaped by companies alone. Works councils and trainers must know how AI works in order to safeguard working conditions and data protection.

Artificial intelligence is transforming the world of work. It is influencing the way we produce, communicate and learn. To ensure that workers and businesses keep pace, vocational training must adapt to these changes. IG Metall also highlights three reasons why AI is a key issue that took centre stage at the 21st symposium:

  •     New demands on skilled workers: AI systems are taking over tasks that were previously carried out by humans. Skilled workers need additional digital skills to work with and control AI.
  •     Ensuring the quality of training: Exams, learning platforms and further training are supported by AI. Those who understand the technology can use it effectively and prevent misuse.
  •     Strengthening co-determination and rights: AI must not be shaped by companies alone. Works councils and trainers must know how AI works in order to safeguard working conditions and data protection.

Urban Fachtagung IGM
Lupe

A keynote speech by Prof. Dr Hans-Jürgen Urban (Executive Board Member of IG Metall) on the topic of ‘Digital Inclusion and Social Justice’ was followed on 20 May by a panel discussion featuring Dr Fabian Hoose (RUB/IGM Center of Cooperation RUB/IGM), Dr Oliver Nahm (BIBB) and Dr Detlef Gerst (IG Metall), moderated by Anika Holtermüller. The panel focused on AI in the workplace (Hoose), AI and vocational training (Nahm) and AI and co-determination (Gerst).

On 21 May, a Barcamp focussed on the topic “From practice for practice”. Alexander Ranft (RUB/IGM Center of Cooperation RUB/IGM) led a session on workplace regulation and AI and distributed the commented model works agreement to interested employee representatives. The model agreement was developed by Center of Cooperation RUB/IGM as part of the HUMAINE project and is available in the online toolbox: https://humaine.info/toolbox/muster-bv/

The full programme can be viewed here: https://www.igmetall.de/download/20260204_IGM_AQQ___Bildungstagung___Programm__2026__31c16827baf3243f6e6fbf85762ef5de34eacbc4.pdf