Manfred Tessaring graduated in 1972 in National Economics and obtained his doctorate in economics of education in 1979. Until 1996 he worked at the Institute for Employment Research (IAB) of the Federal Employment Agency in Nuremberg, Germany, where he was executive scientific director. Since 1996 he has worked at the European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training (CEDEFOP) in Thessaloniki, Greece, where he is Head of Research and Policy Analysis. His responsibilities include analysis of progress achieved in the implementation of the Copenhagen objectives for vocational education and training. His work is documented by a number of publications and he is engaged in several European research projects and networks.

Dr Manfred Tessaring is participating in the Skills development: lessons from the European experience session.