The department of Vocational Specialisation Automotive Technology at the Institute of Vocational Education, Work and Technology is one of the first departments at a German university which carries out research and provides training in the occupational field of Automotive Technology. In Germany, more than 100,000 people are trained in automotive-related occupations. The "core occupation" in this field, the "Kfz-Mechatroniker/-in" i.e. a specialist in automotive mechatronics, has been the most popular industrial technically recognized trade/qualification for decades.

Biat carries out research on the vocational work in this field and uses research findings for the development of innovative concepts for occupational training and to design working and technical environments that encourage learning. One of the areas we currently focus on is electric mobility and its effects on occupational training. Biat provided academic advice when the last two training regulations were drafted.

In our own automotive laboratory, which has been designed in accordance with the concept of an integrated specialist room, theory and practice are closely related. Apart from a vehicle with a combustion engine (an Audi A4 Cabrio) the laboratory is equipped with an electric vehicle (a Renault Kangoo Z. E.) and a motorbike (BMW K1200 S) and all the relevant tools and training materials to enable subject-related issues to be covered.