The concepts of Beruf, Bildung and Occupational pedagogies are central elements to how occupational skilfulness, working life work and occupational preparation through both how vocational and higher education are understood in the German societal context. The valuing of skilled work (i.e. Beruf), how it is integrated into the conduct of work, the quality of working life and the viability of enterprises (i.e. Bildung). Moreover, the development of occupational capacities and highly skilful work is also emphasised within the German the cash in education and higher education systems with the development of pedagogies associated with specific occupations (i.e. occupational pedagogies). In this dialogue forum, Professor Michael Gessler will explain what these concepts mean within the German context of occupational knowledge and its learning through a dialogue with Prof Stephen Billett who will then extend the dialogue to participants. A consideration of these concepts and the educational practices that accompany them seems important in the contemporary Australian context of efforts to increase the skilfulness of the workforce, enhancing its adaptability and a greater valuing of vocational education and the occupation serves. Added here is a growing concern about a national workforce able to make the nation more self-sufficient and self-reliant. Watch the dialogue forum here.