In Germany, work based learning as learning in and because of the workplace plays a promi-nent role in the concept of vocational education and training and – to a negligible extent – in the realm of higher education. In order to enhance individual qualifications and potentials, and make the German education system more permeable and support lifelong learning, the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) launched the “Initiative on Recognition of Prior Learning Outcomes on Higher Education Programmes” in 2005. The article explores the question on the approach and relevance of work based learning in the pilot projects by two case studies.