After successful completion of vocational training, young professionals are eligible for the continuing education grant. Performance-oriented and talented professionals under the age of 25 can use the continuing education scholarship to finance up to three years of interdisciplinary continuing education. Read here which requirements are needed for the scholarship and how to apply.
What is supported by the continuing education scholarship??
The German Federal Ministry of Education supports young professionals who have shown particular performance or talent during their training. A total of 6000 scholarships are awarded annually.
For example, interdisciplinary further education, such as software courses or intensive language courses, are supported. A part-time course of study is supported if it builds on previous training. Especially here after an advancement training like e.g. the completion of a master school, specialist or specialist care title. The scholarship holder chooses the educational initiative and applies for the appropriate grant.
What are the requirements for the grant?
To apply for the continuing education scholarship to support a professional qualification, a successfully completed professional education is required. This can be completed in a recognized dual training occupation based on the Vocational Training Act (BBiG), the Crafts Code (HwO) or in a specialized occupation in the healthcare sector regulated by federal law. At the start of the program, the 25. have not yet reached the age of 18. Voluntary service, parental leave and the like are taken into account, so that admission can also take place up to three years later.
Qualification for the continuing education scholarship can be proven in various ways:
- The final vocational examination must have been passed with at least 87 points or better than “good. This corresponds to an average grade of 1.9 or better in several parts of the examination.
- The applicant is among the top three in a supraregional vocational performance competition.
- Special qualifications are demonstrated by a reasoned proposal from the employer or the vocational school.
At the time of application, the applicant must be able to prove a weekly working time of at least 15 hours or be registered with the employment agency as a job seeker.
Full-time students without regular employment and university graduates are not eligible to apply for the scholarship.
If the described requirements are met, the master sheet can be requested from the chamber/vocational training center.
The master form and copies of the vocational qualification certificate and other documents must then be sent to the relevant office.
In the dual training occupations – which include all occupations in which training takes place in a company and at a vocational school – the further training grants are awarded by the chambers and other bodies that also administer the final vocational examinations. This includes the Chamber of Industry and Commerce, a Chamber of Crafts, a Chamber of Liberal Professions or even a state authority. There are also contact persons there for all questions relating to the scholarship. The deadlines for application and admission to the continuing education scholarship are set by the relevant bodies themselves in each case. Graduates of a specialized occupation in the health care sector, such as in the fields of geriatric care, health care and nursing, or physiotherapy, contact the Stiftung Begabtenforderung berufliche Bildung (SBB) (Foundation for the Promotion of Gifted Vocational Training).
Further training of trainers
It is particularly important to know the right contacts in your own company. In most cases, instructors are available for personal consultation. For this reason, ongoing training of the trainer is essential. Various further training measures are also available to the trainers in order to impart their practical knowledge more efficiently and to increase the quality of training. In addition, the management personality is developed, the competitiveness of the company is increased and the motivation of the workforce is increased. Find out about all further training opportunities for trainers in order to counteract the shortage of skilled workers and provide targeted support for future trainees in your company.
How much funding is available?
The funding amount of the further education scholarship can be up to 8100 euros for a maximum period of three years. The scholarship holders can use this money to cover the costs of further training or extra-occupational studies. The own contribution of each support measure amounts to 10 percent. As part of an initial grant and in the first year, an IT bonus of 250 euros for the purchase of a computer can be approved on application.
Are further education abroad possible?
Intensive language courses and professional training abroad are also supported. For example, an IT specialist has the opportunity to learn how to use a new programming environment in the USA, a carpenter has the chance to practice techniques for building highly insulated log cabins in Finland, or a pastry chef has the chance to learn the intricacies of making chocolates in Belgium. With these examples it becomes additionally clear that a promotion is supported across all industries.
Other educational opportunities
If the training scholarship is not an option for you or if you are interested in other training measures, there are also grants available from the employment agency for certain training and further education measures. Accompanying measures can already be taken during the apprenticeship. These take place outside the training company and lead to a faster completion of the training.