Unlock Your Future Now!

In an ever-changing job market, it's crucial to proactively shape your professional future. Consider the following questions to determine whether it's time to apply for an education voucher:

1. Is my sector particularly threatened by current or future developments such as digitalization or the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic?
2. Is there a chance that my current job will be replaced by digital technologies or automation in the future?
3. Will there continue to be a demand for my professional activity in the future, or should I consider acquiring new skills?

Our tip: Do not delay answering these questions. It is essential to start planning your professional development early. Applying for an education voucher promptly can be crucial in opening up new professional perspectives and strengthening your position in the job market.

Training vouchers offered by the Employment Agencies are a targeted financial assistance designed to support individuals facing unemployment, active job seekers and workers at risk of losing their jobs due to economic changes or sectoral shifts. This initiative aims to increase the adaptability of the workforce, the relevance of skill sets and employment stability in a rapidly evolving labor market.

Eligibility Criteria:

1. Unemployed Individuals: Individuals who are currently unemployed and registered as job seekers are prime candidates to receive training vouchers. The objective is to facilitate their re-entry into the workforce through targeted skills acquisition or retraining programs.
2. Job Seekers: Those looking to transition into new fields or seeking career advancement can also benefit from this program. The program aims to close the skills gap and make them more attractive to potential employers.
3. Workers at Risk of Unemployment: Employees at risk of becoming unemployed in the future due to factors such as technological advances, digitalization or changes in market demand are also eligible. The voucher aims to provide preventive education and training to secure their employment.

Conditions for Receiving the Voucher: Applicants must demonstrate that the proposed education or training program is essential for their continued employment, increases their chances of finding new jobs, prevents anticipated unemployment or helps them obtain a recognized professional qualification. The assessment takes into account the relevance of the training to labor market demands and the individual's career progression needs.

After receiving a training voucher from the Federal Employment Agency (Bundesagentur für Arbeit), you have the opportunity to choose a training program that suits your professional development needs. The selected program must be certified and the provider must be accredited according to the Social Security Book III (SGB III) legal regulations. You can find suitable training providers on resources such as the KURSNET training database.

Steps to Follow:

1. Select a Training Provider: Choose a training institution that offers a program that aligns with your career goals. Make sure that the provider has the necessary accreditation and is authorized to offer these programs. The importance of this step ensures the relevance and quality of your training to the job market.
2. Registration and Confirmation: Once you have selected a suitable training provider, you need to register for your desired program. The provider provides details about the program, confirming your participation in your training voucher.
3. Voucher Delivery: Before the course starts, you or the training provider must deliver the approved training voucher to the issuing Federal Employment Agency. This step activates the funding for your training program.

Since the award of the education voucher depends on the criteria mentioned earlier, it is possible that the application will be rejected. The education voucher is defined in the Social Security Code (Sozialgesetzbuch - SGB) as a discretionary benefit, i.e. it is not automatically entitled.

If your application is rejected:

1. Notice of Rejection: If your application for a training voucher is rejected, the responsible caseworkers at the Employment Agency will provide you with the reasons for this decision.
2. Right to Appeal: Once you receive the rejection notice, you have a period of four weeks to appeal this decision.

Responding to the Refusal:

1. Carefully review the reasons for the refusal and try to understand what criteria your application does not meet or what additional information is needed.
2. You can reapply for a training voucher or take steps to improve your situation.

Yes, it is possible to receive a training voucher for career change purposes. For your application to be accepted, you must convincingly explain how your chosen education or training program will increase your chances of successfully transitioning to a new field.

The first step to discuss training or education funding options is to meet with your counselor at the Employment Agency (Agentur für Arbeit). This consultation process ensures that both you and the agency have a clear understanding of your career goals and how additional training can help with them.

Entering the interview with the Employment Agency unprepared can reduce your chances of obtaining a training voucher. It is important to convincingly articulate how your training aligns with your previous professional experience or academic qualifications and how the course content will help your specific career goals.

Before a decision is made on your training voucher application, you will be invited to a counseling meeting at the Employment Agency. During this meeting, your potential eligibility is discussed.

Training vouchers cover a range of expenses associated with participants' participation in training programs. Eligible costs include tuition fees, travel costs, temporary accommodation costs, meal costs and childcare costs.

If you cannot find a suitable training offer, it is important to contact your employment counselor. Your counselor can assess your situation and propose a suitable solution.

Obtaining a professional qualification using an education voucher can significantly improve your skills and expand your career opportunities.

The study voucher provides financial support for tuition fees, exam fees, work clothes and course materials. It also offers support for accommodation and food costs if you have to stay away from home for study.

After using your first training voucher, you may need additional courses to prevent or end unemployment. In this case, you can receive more training vouchers.

Your training voucher is valid for three months from the date of approval. If not used within this period, the voucher and the financing opportunity will expire.

The Job Center or Employment Agency covers the costs for courses, exam fees, materials for practical exams and books. You also receive a subsidy for travel costs and childcare. If you have to stay away from home for training, accommodation and food costs are covered up to a certain daily rate. Health, long-term care, accident and pension insurance are also provided for the duration of the training.