Goethe University Frankfurt am Main stands as one of Germany's largest and most prestigious universities, serving as the primary academic hub for the state of Hesse. With around 45,000 students enrolled each semester, the university offers a diverse range of disciplines, spanning social sciences, economics, law, natural sciences, medicine, mathematics, and computer science. Among its notable institutions is the Institute for Economics, Labour and Culture (IWAK), which conducts applied research and provides valuable consultancy to businesses and policymakers in Hesse.
IWAK has established itself as a leader in vocational education and training, focusing on critical transitions from school to work and the labour market integration of unemployed individuals, migrants, women, and those with lower qualifications. Guided by a council of esteemed experts from the Hessian economy, IWAK employs a dedicated team of ten scientific staff members who concentrate on strategies to activate and support various target groups in entering or remaining in the workforce. The institute’s findings have practical applications in companies, political arenas, and within the university itself. Annually, IWAK organizes approximately 20 workshops and training sessions tailored to specific audiences, with particular emphasis on vocational training and skills development for marginalized groups, such as migrants and the unemployed. For over 20 years, IWAK has been at the forefront of advancing skills development, recognizing that the success of workforce training relies on understanding the evolving demands of businesses and tailoring education to meet these needs. As the coordinator of the European Network on Regional Labour Market Monitoring (EN RLMM), IWAK fosters collaboration among more than 400 experts from across Europe. This network unites labour market researchers, public employment services, statistical offices, and policymakers, promoting the exchange of ideas and the development of innovative approaches to regional labour market monitoring. The EN RLMM plays a vital role in enhancing transparency within the labour market, focusing on the alignment of supply and demand. Through its collaborative framework, the network provides tools and methodologies to better understand labour market trends and improve matching processes between employers and potential employees. Every year, the network publishes an anthology addressing pressing issues for regional and local labour market decision-makers, contributing significantly to the broader understanding and practical application of labour market insights. Goethe University Frankfurt, through IWAK, continues to bridge the gap between academic research and real-world challenges, making substantial contributions to vocational training, labour market integration, and workforce development across Europe.