This interview with Dirk Schaefermeyer from the Central Association of Opticians and Optometrists was conducted in written form in April 2025.
Vocational education is an effective tool against unemployment and the shortage of skilled workers and is also a key prerequisite for the competitiveness of businesses. What significance do the optical trade and vocational training have in Italy?
In Italy, the optical trade is traditionally rooted in smaller, often family-run businesses. Overall, vocational training holds less significance than in Germany, as the Italian education system is more school-based. However, the dual system is gaining importance, especially in the context of international cooperation, as it is seen as an effective means of combating youth unemployment and the shortage of skilled workers. Optics plays a key role here, as it combines craftsmanship with medical-technical expertise.
How is the ConnActions project, which includes the network of opticians, structured?
ConnActions is a bilateral vocational education project coordinated by the German-Italian Chamber of Commerce (AHK Italy). It consists of several industry-specific networks, including the opticians’ network. These networks work independently on industry-specific topics and regularly exchange results and experiences. This takes place through cross-project events and moderated workshops organized by the AHK. The AHK is responsible for coordination, quality assurance, and documentation of the overall project.
The networks within ConnActions are focused on mutual learning. What do German opticians and optometrists learn from the exchange with their Italian counterparts? Who is involved in the exchange? How are these insights shared or applied?
German opticians and optometrists gain insights into alternative training concepts, especially the school-based education and specialization options in Italy. They learn about different forms of cooperation between vocational schools, universities, and businesses. Participants in the exchange include trainers from guild companies, full-time and voluntary representatives of regional guilds, specialist teachers, academic associations, trade unions, and representatives of the central association. The insights are integrated into guild work and training development through internal specialist events, working groups, and publications. At the level of the central association, we regularly report to the Vocational Training Committee on the project results.
Part of the ConnActions network on stage at the Mido trade fair. Picture: ZVA
How did the network come about, and what goals does it pursue?
The opticians’ network within ConnActions emerged from the desire to incorporate international perspectives into vocational education and to learn from best-practice examples. The goal is to improve the quality of training, secure skilled workers, and discuss common standards. The network also addresses the mutual recognition of vocational qualifications. At the same time, it aims to enhance the profession’s image and attract young people to the field.
What are the key results of the bilateral exchange so far, and what other outcomes do you plan to achieve during the remainder of the project period?
Key achievements so far include the systematic comparison of training structures in both countries, the establishment of personal contacts among vocational training stakeholders, and the development of common thematic priorities—such as integrating the topic of preventive healthcare into vocational education. Planned outcomes include documenting the results and formulating concrete recommendations for optimizing the training systems in Germany and Italy.
Chalkboard illustration of optician and optometrist training in Italy. Picture: ZVA
What are the interests of the Central Association of Opticians and Optometrists (ZVA) in this collaboration, and what benefits do you gain from it?
The ZVA aims to strengthen the appeal of vocational education and gain new impulses for the further development of training content. The exchange with Italian partners allows early recognition of international developments and strategic alignment of our own positions. In the long term, this collaboration contributes to securing skilled workers and improving the profession’s image.
What hurdles have you already overcome during the project work, and what challenges do you still face?
Overcome hurdles include language barriers, differing expectations, and initial uncertainty about the project’s goals. Direct comparison of vocational training systems also posed a challenge that has since been resolved. Currently, we face the challenge of effectively implementing transfer measures into everyday training and ensuring the long-term sustainability and continuation of the network beyond the project’s timeline.
Environmental protection and socio-economic sustainability are important topics for the skilled crafts. What role do these topics play in the opticians’ network within ConnActions?
Topics discussed in the network include eco-friendly materials, sustainable business models, and regional supply chains. There is also an exchange on how sustainability can be more deeply integrated into training—such as through projects on sustainable frame production or energy efficiency in workshops.
Industrial production of glasses in the valley of Cadore in Northern Italy. Picture: ZVA
How could the current network develop further, and what might future collaboration look like?
The existing network could be expanded by including additional partners—such as universities of applied sciences, manufacturers, or international associations. In the future, the collaboration could include specific exchange formats and virtual learning modules. A permanent bilateral exchange to further develop vocational education in both countries is also conceivable.
ConnActions is part of the bilateral German-Italian cooperation on vocational training, led by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research. How is this reflected in the design of your cooperation with the Italian partners?
The involvement of the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) ensures that the project is embedded in national vocational education policy. This is evident in quality assurance, structured project planning, and close alignment with existing initiatives. Funding from the BMBF also provides a reliable foundation for cooperation with the Italian partners.
