This project involved the consultation of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the VII Region of Chile. bw-i assisted with technology transfer, public relations for SMEs, technical workshops and consulting services for SMEs. Direct consultations with small and medium-sized enterprises of the metal and wood-working trades focused on the application of suitable technologies, company management, business administration and organisation. Other services provided by bw-i included assisting in the transfer of technology from overseas, training of entrepreneurs and personnel, preparing the way for joint ventures of Chilean and foreign companies, providing technical equipment and training local specialists on the spot and in Germany to enable them to continue the work of the Consultation Centre.

bw-i was responsible for the adaptation of the vocational training curricula for the advanced technical training of skilled workers according to the requirements of private companies. In addition, bw-i provided consulting services regarding the provision of equipment, training the trainers, and technical workshops. Other services included consultation with the Ministry of Education on the content of dual-oriented vocational training, organisation of basic and advanced training of Chilean workers (industrial mechanics, toolmakers and electricians) in practical and theoretical subjects, establishment of model schemes which can be adapted to other vocational fields, contribution and co-financing of machinery and equipment, and organisation of further training of Chilean specialists, locally and in other South American countries.

bw-i was responsible for the implementation of over 20 one-week management courses in Cuba and of 2 four-week management seminars in Baden-Wurttemberg, specifically designed for Cuban managers from key industries. The subjects taught included: market economy, international marketing, international legal issues, project management, human resource development, team and conflict management, organisation of exhibitions, cost calculation and controlling, production and quality management and types of enterprises and financing. From all of the participants in Cuba, 20 were selected and invited to Germany for further training, which includes several visits to German enterprises and the arrangement of business contacts. Between 1998 and 2003, over 400 days of training with more than 200 participants have been successfully conducted.

bw-i provided assistance in the procurement of laboratory equipment for the University Don Bosco, especially for the material testing laboratory, metrology laboratory, CAD-rooms, and natural sciences laboratories. Other services included the review of existing equipment lists, definition of the required accuracy of machines and tools, organisation of the needed accessories and spare parts, preparation of tender documents, supervision and management of the tendering process, consulting for client and suppliers during the tender period, tender evaluation, and purchase inspection. In addition, bw-i assisted the client through planning in detail different laboratory lay-outs with consideration for technical and educational needs.

The aims of the project were to improve the basic education of the population and fight illiteracy within Guatemala. Therefore, educational and cultural programmes were created and transmitted by radio stations. The target group consists of all people over the age of 15 who do not have a primary and/or secondary school diploma. The programmes were broadcast daily in Spanish and several Mayan languages and were supported by local teachers who served as contact persons for all questions concerning the curricula. At the moment, there are over 30,000 students. In particular, the following services were provided: supply of technical equipment, erection and installation of six transmitters, training local staff to maintain these installations and training specialists to produce relevant radio programmes. The ultimate goal of the program was to improve the educational situation of ethnic and marginalised groups.

The goal of this project was the institutional development of a vocational training scheme for unemployed youths in the informal sector. In order to get unemployed youths off the street, a vocational training scheme for instruction in the informal sector has been developed. The services provided by bw-i include the development of curricula for diverse trades, procurement, and the assignment of short-term experts for the imparting of craftsmen’s skills.

The Centre provides advanced practical training courses for technicians on various topics, including the maintenance of production facilities, heavy machinery, and industrial electrical engineering. bw-i was responsible for providing instructors and equipment, as well as support offered in close co-operation with the TECSUP Private Foundation, which has been responsible for tending to the actual requirements on location. Other services of bw-i included the institutional building of the Centre with several long-term experts and further management capacity upgrading. Additional seminars were held in the format of short-term missions. Peruvian instructors have been trained for several months in Germany, including seminars and visits to German enterprises and other train-the-trainer measures. Besides holding technical training courses, the Centre also provides long-distance education and internet-based training lectures. Furthermore, consulting services are offered to the local industry.

In order to modernise and reconstruct industrial enterprises in the Arequipa Region, a new Higher Technology Institute was founded. The main objective was to provide advanced training to technicians and middle management staff, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises. Other services included: analysis of regional and economic needs; definition of level of entrance and upon completion, graduation, system integration; adaptation of curricula and definition of short courses for further development; building and room planning under the scope of pedagogical, functional, technical, architectural, and infrastructural needs; planning of equipment in the fields of electronics, automation, and mechanical engineering within the envisaged training objectives; organisation of learning groups and budgets; specification of goods and composition of tenders; comparison of proposals; preparation of export procedures, customs clearance purchase inspection, and acceptance report of expert missions; and instruction and training of staff by long and short-term experts.