WIL(d)flowers - The Beauty of Work Integrated Learning - 11

Work Integrated Learning (WIL) represents the combination of learning and the professional career. The definition ranges from programs of job qualification and initial training (e.g. apprenticeships/internships or working students) to programs of professional development and new types of learning "on the job". This web series aims to explore the various forms of WIL in the German-Japanese context, spanning from Vocational Training through Dual Study Programs up to advanced training for professionals. Impulses are presented by Japanese, German or International experts that are either from an educational background or are representing best practices and experiences from the industry.

Many businesses are challenged with finding qualified employees or to train existing employees in an continuously changing economic environment without sacrificing productivity. The importance of WIL programs within Germany in higher education within the last couple of years has grown, since many businesses - similar to the widespread vocational training programs - value the benefit of the integration of theoretical knowledge with practical skills. This will be put in the context of international best practices and chances and opportunities that exist in Japan.

The session explores the role of Work Integrated Learning (WIL) in connecting academic learning with professional practice in Japan, highlighting both its potential and the challenges of implementation. Drawing on examples from programs and activities by DAAD Tokyo and DWIH Tokyo, it provides insights into how such initiatives operate in practice and contribute to linking education, work, and international exchange.

Speaker April 2026

Dr. Axel Karpenstein, DAAD Tokyo & DWIH

Axel Karpenstein is an expert in research, innovation, and technology transfer. Since 2022, he has served as Director of the DAAD Regional Office Tokyo and the German Center for Research and Innovation (DWIH) Tokyo.

His professional background spans academia and international research policy, including a tenure as Associate Professor of International Politics and Economics at Saitama University, Japan, and management responsibility for research policy programs at the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD). He holds degrees in Politics/Economics and East Asian Studies from Columbia University.

Further Events

2026

• March 2026 - Professor Kristina Areskoug Josefsson & Professor Ulrika Lundh Snis, University West - Trollhättan
• April 2026 - Dr. Axel Karpenstein, DAAD Tokyo & DWIH
• May 2026 - Nina Wagner, MindBytes
• June 2026 - Dr. Hermann Gumpp, Enobyte GmbH
• July 2026 - Rumi Hasegawa, Rumi Hasegawa Intercultural Expert

2025

• January 2025 - Benjamin Jung WACE & DJW member
• February 2025 - Keiko Miyakawa (NPO Japan Forum for WIL) & Rikichi Izumiya (KIT)
• March 2025 - Norah McRae, WACE Co-Chair
• April 2025 - Theodor Grassos, Secretary General, EVBB
• May 2025 - Dai Ueda, Senior Manager, AHK Japan
• September 2025 - Prof. Dr.-Ing. Stephan Schenkel, President DHBW Karlsruhe
• October 2025 - Michael Lang, Corporate Learning Expert, SAP
• November 2025 - Dr. Benjamin Nixdorf, Managing Director, Zuken
• December 2025 - Benjamin Jung, WIL-Practioner

Team of Organizers

• World Association for Co-operative and Work Integrated Education (WACE)
• Kanazawa Institute of Technology (KIT)
• Japan Forum for Work Integrated Learning (NPO WIL)
• Deutsch-Japanischer Wirtschaftskreis (DJW)

With Impulses by

• Deutsche Industrie- und Handelskammer in Japan (AHK Japan)
• Duale Hochschule Baden-Württemberg (DHBW)
• European Association of Institutes for Vocational Training (EVBB)
• SAP
• World Alliance for Microcredentials Foundation (WAM)
• etc.

What to expect?

A series of monthly web impulse presentations focusing on best practices, ideas, structures and learnings from Work Integrated Learning (WIL) in Germany and Japan, encouraging to build bridges and expand a common understanding within both countries.

Target Audience

Company representatives from German and Japanese management to talent strategy and WIL Researchers & Practitioners from Higher Education and Vocational Training Organisations

Format

There will be three events each quarter, with one impulse from Japan, one from Germany and one global impulse from WACE and/or renowned speakers.

Participation and registration

Participation is free of charge for all interested parties. When you register via the green button, you will receive the access link to the digital meeting room.

We look forward to a lively discussion and your participation!