When do I get retraining from the job centre? Who is entitled and how much financial support do I get?

The job market is constantly evolving, making a career change through retraining increasingly attractive for many people. The Employment Agency offers an opportunity to gain qualifications in a new career field and improve one’s job market prospects. But how does retraining through the Employment Agency work exactly, who is eligible, and what financial support is available? This article answers these questions and explains the prerequisites and financial aspects of retraining through the Employment Agency.

1. What is Retraining Through the Employment Agency?

Retraining through the Employment Agency is a funded education program that helps people qualify for a different profession. Unlike traditional further training, which enhances existing professional knowledge, retraining focuses on a complete career change. In many cases, the Employment Agency covers the costs of education and provides additional financial support for living expenses.

2. Who is Eligible for Retraining?

To qualify for retraining through the Employment Agency, you must be registered as a job seeker or at risk of unemployment. Retraining is offered mainly to those who no longer have long-term prospects in their current profession. Reasons for eligibility include:

• Health Reasons: If you can no longer work in your current job due to health issues, the Employment Agency often offers retraining to transition you into a different field.

• Job Market Changes: If your profession is no longer in demand or technological advances (e.g., digitalization) have reduced positions in your field, there is a good chance of retraining.

• Long-Term Unemployment: If you have been unemployed for an extended period, the Employment Agency may offer retraining in a different field to improve your job market prospects.

3. What Are the Requirements for Retraining?

To obtain retraining through the Employment Agency, specific requirements must be met:

• You must be unemployed or at risk of unemployment.

• It should be clear that further training in your current field will not provide sufficient job opportunities.

• A consultation with a career advisor is essential. Here, the advisor will assess whether retraining is necessary and likely to succeed.

During the consultation, you will discuss your current situation and job market prospects with your advisor. They will help clarify which careers might suit you and which retraining programs would be beneficial.

4. When Will the Employment Agency Approve Retraining?

Retraining is usually approved if the career advisor sees that you lack long-term prospects in your current profession. Health limitations that require a career change are also common reasons for approval. Generally, the Employment Agency must believe that retraining will significantly improve your job market chances.You can apply for retraining at the Employment Agency or Job Center. It is important to discuss your plans and goals with your job advisor, who can help explore the available options and submit an application.

5. How Much Financial Support Is Provided During Retraining?

Many people wonder about the financial support provided during retraining. The Employment Agency not only covers the costs of the program itself (e.g., course fees) but also provides unemployment benefits during retraining. These benefits are generally equal to regular unemployment benefits (ALG I or ALG II).In some cases, there may be additional financial support, such as:

• Travel Cost Subsidies: If you need to commute for retraining, you may receive a travel subsidy.

• Costs for Training Materials: The costs for books, tools, or other materials required for retraining can also be covered.

• Childcare Costs: If you have children who need care during retraining, the Employment Agency may also offer support.

6. What is the Continuing Education Bonus?

Successfully participating in retraining may qualify you for the Continuing Education Bonus. This bonus was introduced to motivate people to complete longer training or retraining programs.The bonus amounts to:

• 1,000 Euros after successfully passing the intermediate exam.

• 1,500 Euros after successfully completing the entire retraining program.

This bonus is paid in addition to other benefits and aims to encourage participants to stay on course and complete the retraining.

7. How to Find the Right Retraining Program?

The Employment Agency offers a wide range of retraining programs in various fields. A useful tool is the Employment Agency’s Kursnet platform, where you can search specifically for retraining opportunities near you. Numerous filter options allow you to tailor the search to your personal needs.For major cities like Berlin, there are also specific offerings. Through Employment Agency Kursnet Berlin, you can search for programs specifically in the capital. Here, you’ll find information on various professions, course details, and eligibility requirements.

8. Education Vouchers and Kursnet: An Important Guide

If the Employment Agency approves your retraining, you will typically receive an education voucher, which allows you to finance retraining with a certified educational provider. The Kursnet platform provides an overview of which educational providers accept vouchers. It’s essential to choose certified providers, as only their programs are funded by the Employment Agency.

9. Conclusion: Retraining as an Opportunity for a Fresh Start

Retraining through the Employment Agency offers a chance to reorient your career and establish yourself in a different field. The requirements are clear, and financial support from the Employment Agency allows you to pursue this education with minimal financial burden.If you’re wondering whether retraining is the right path for you, make an appointment with your career advisor. Together, you can determine which options suit you and how you can actively shape your future. Thanks to the Kursnet platform and financial support options such as the education voucher, nothing stands in the way of a new career path.For those seeking new perspectives in today’s job market, retraining is a valuable opportunity to establish a future-proof career in a high-demand field.