Physical activity promotion in German vocational education: does capacity building work?

Abstract

Apprentices in many sectors are exposed to increased health risks and show low levels of physical activity (PA). Environmental and policy approaches seem to be promising tools for PA promotion as they can positively influence the context in which PA occurs. This article reports results from a German research project (2015–2018) that developed and implemented measures for PA promotion in the field of vocational education (VE). A participatory approach—cooperative planning (COP)—involving researchers as well as stakeholders from policy and practice was used in two VE settings—nursing care and automotive mechatronics. We assessed the extent to which new capacities for PA promotion were created by conducting semi-structured interviews with stakeholders from both sectors (n = 12) and one group interview with nursing students (n = 4). Transcripts were analysed using qualitative content analysis. Findings show that new capacities were created mainly in the form of resources and opportunities and that several measures for PA promotion (e.g. a regular lesson on the issue of PA and health and a tutoring system) were successfully integrated into VE routines. However, establishing new organizational goals and obligations appeared to be challenging. Moreover, the article presents influencing factors, such as the participation of the main actors that strongly supported the process of capacity building within their organization. We conclude that COP seems promising in creating new capacities for PA promotion in the field of VE, and therefore has the potential to promote a physically active lifestyle among apprentices.

Physical Activity Promotion for Apprentices in Nursing Care and Automotive Mechatronics–Competence Counts More than Volume

“…The PArC-AVE study, as one of these projects, combines the focus on PAHCO with a co-creation approach. Even though a qualitative study reported the implementation of cooperatively developed measures in settings of vocational education [75], it is not yet clear whether it was possible to foster aspects of PAHCO through such a complex approach. Evaluation studies are needed to prove the suitability of PAHCO for interventions.…”

Competencies for a Healthy Physically Active Lifestyle: Second-Order Analysis and Multidimensional Scaling

“…Given this preference, it can be assumed that this sample tends to target those individuals who are less interested in or familiar with the topics of PA and health. Within the scope of the PArC-AVE Study (Popp et al, 2020), as a part of the research consortium Capital4Health (here project phase 2), we asked all representatives of the Working Group Sport Science and Sport of the Universities in Bavaria (AKS), who coordinate the basic qualification programs in physical education at their universities (n = 8), to support the statewide survey in the winter term 2018/2019. All those coordinators were willing to organize the distribution and collection of paper-pencil questionnaires or, if desired, to provide the students with access to an equivalent online survey.…”

Competencies for a healthy physically active lifestyle: Second-order analysis and multidimensional scaling

“…In Bavaria, Germany, the basic qualification program is a compulsory compact certificate for all ongoing elementary, middle, and special education teachers who choose physical education neither as a primary subject (German: Hauptfach) nor as a minor subject (German: Didaktikfach). Within the scope of the PArC-AVE Study (Popp et al, 2020), as a part of the research consortium Capital4Health (here project phase 2), we asked all representatives of the Working Group Sport Science and Sport of the Universities in Bavaria (AKS), who coordinate the basic qualification programs in physical education at their universities (n = 8), to support the statewide survey in the winter term 2018/2019. All members were willing to organize the distribution and collection of paper-pencil questionnaires or, if desired, to provide the students with access to an equivalent online survey.…”