How can administrative processes in vocational training centers be made more efficient, transparent, and sustainable? This question served as the central theme of the 54th Contact Study, which took place from April 21 to 23, 2026, at the Chamber of Crafts for Lower Franconia in Würzburg. Around 130 participants from inter-company training, the skilled trades organization, and training centers exchanged views on current developments, practical requirements, and digital solutions.
Following the opening remarks by Dr. Christian Welzbacher of the Heinz-Piest Institute for Craft Technology and a welcome address by Ludwig Paul, Executive Director of the Chamber of Crafts for Lower Franconia, the first day provided a broad overview: the agenda included topics such as business development, support for inter-company training centers, and ongoing projects in inter-company training. A tour of the Würzburg educational facility also gave participants the opportunity to gain insight into the work and academic focus of the institution.
The second day of the event was devoted entirely to workshops. Particular attention was given to the workshop “Digitization of Administrative Processes at BBZ,” led by Monica Leitsch and Karla Sorgato from the ZDH. Over the course of three sessions, participants discussed the challenges and opportunities of digital administrative processes—ranging from process design and data availability to the practical feasibility of digital tools in the day-to-day operations of educational institutions.
As partners, Walter Pirk and Alexander Blezinger brought DAISEC’s perspective on digital support options to the table. Their approach to optimizing BBZ planning clearly demonstrated how artificial intelligence and digital assistance systems can help better structure complex planning tasks. A concrete demonstration made it clear that digital technologies can effectively support decision-making processes in educational institutions without replacing the professional responsibility of those involved.
In the afternoon, the workshop findings were incorporated into a joint summary, which demonstrated that the exchange between trade organizations, educational institutions, the ZDH, the HPI, and DAISEC plays a key role in advancing digitalization in education in a practical way. The third and final day of the event rounded out the program with additional expert presentations on current challenges in the operation of vocational training centers, support for training programs, and the modernization of educational facilities.
The 54th in-person study program, with its focus on digitalization, has sent a clear message: vocational training centers face the challenge of further developing their administrative and planning processes—and DAISEC supports this effort with expertise in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and practical demonstrators.
