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Whether you receive an education voucher from the Employment Agency or the Jobcenter depends on your personal situation. Typical requirements include being unemployed, seeking work, or facing the threat of redundancy. The key factor is whether further training is necessary to improve your professional integration.

If your chances on the job market increase significantly through targeted qualification, your prospects are good. It is important that your advisor at the employment agency recognizes the education voucher as a sensible measure.

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No, you do not necessarily have to be unemployed. Even if you are at risk of unemployment—for example, due to a layoff or a fixed-term contract—you may still be eligible to apply for a training voucher.

In certain cases, employed individuals can also receive a training voucher if further education is necessary to secure their job. The employment agency will assess your individual situation.

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Once you have submitted your application for the education voucher, your local employment agency or job center will review your case. The processing time varies depending on the region and current workload, but a decision is often reached within a few weeks.

Being well-prepared for the interview is key – and that is exactly what we help you with.

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The maximum value of the education voucher can cover up to
100% of your training costs. This means that course fees, learning materials, and any other eligible expenses are fully covered. The requirement is that the training program must be AZAV-certified, meaning it meets the standards set by the education voucher AZAV guidelines.

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It is not possible to apply for an education voucher (Bildungsgutschein) entirely online in the traditional sense, as the decision is made during a personal consultation at your local employment agency or job center.

However, you can book an appointment online in advance and prepare yourself. We will help you structure your arguments so that you go into the meeting well-prepared.

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Your further education with a training voucher at velpTEC: Seize your chance for a fresh start

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A new career path doesn't have to be held back by costs. With a training voucher, you can qualify for future-proof jobs without having to finance the training yourself.

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The training voucher offers you and many others the opportunityto reposition yourself professionally, build on existing experience, and realistically enter high-demand fields. What is it all about?

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Start your career path now!

The most important points at a glance
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• With the training voucher, you can have your further education fully funded – with no personal financial risk
• Especially in cases of unemployment or career changes, subsidized training significantly increases your chances of a quick return to the workforce
• You gain targeted qualifications for high-demand fields such as IT, data, marketing, or project management
• The program is tailored to your specific situation and helps you develop structure, motivation, and new career goals.

Your path back to work through subsidized training with an education voucher

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The education voucher from the Federal Employment Agency is a government grantthat allows you to complete professional training fully funded. It is particularly relevant if you are in a phase of career transition, such as during

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• unemployment,
• the threat of unemployment,
• or if you want to specifically improve your career prospects.

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In essence, this means: You can complete further training while unemployed without having to cover the costs yourself. The goal is to

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• integrate you back into the job market quickly and sustainably
• or to qualify you for a new field where skilled workers are currently in demand.

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The Education voucher is issued individually by the Employment Agency or the Jobcenter . They will assess whether

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• the training is appropriate,
• improves your job prospects,
• and is provided by a certified training institution.

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Once the requirements are met, nothing stands in the way of your subsidized start in a new career field.

Benefits of training with an education voucher
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• Up to 100% coverage of costs – Course fees are fully covered by the Employment Agency
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• Ideal solution for unemployment – Completing training while unemployed significantly increases your chances of a quick return to work
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• Future-proof qualifications – You can gain targeted training in high-demand fields such as IT, data, marketing, or project management
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• No financial risk – You invest in your career without having to use your own capital
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• Individual support – Training is tailored to your professional situation and your goals
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• Better job prospects – Employers value up-to-date qualifications and a commitment to professional development
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• Structure and perspective – Especially during longer periods of unemployment, further training helps you regain clear goals and a daily routine

Why further training is essential for the unemployed in today's job market

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Further training measures for the unemployed are now a central component of educational concepts for successfully re-entering the job market.

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The reason: Job profiles are changing rapidly due to digitalization, automation, and new technologies. Many tasks are disappearing, while new requirements are emerging at the same time. Those who do not actively counteract this risk falling behind in the long term.

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This is exactly why further education is so important. It helps you to

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• update existing knowledge,
• build new skills,
• and strategically transition into areas where skilled professionals are in demand.

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Instead of relying solely on existing qualifications, you create a modern profile that better aligns with the current needs of companies. At the same time, further education signals commitment, a willingness to learn, and motivation—qualities that are highly sought after in the job market.

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Start your career path now!

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Job opportunities

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• Without further education: Limited, especially with outdated qualifications
• With further training measures for the unemployed: Significantly improved through current and in-demand skills

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Adaptation to the labor market

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• Without further training: Difficult with new technologies and processes
• With further training measures for the unemployed: Active adaptation to digital and modern requirements

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Competitiveness

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• Without further training: Lower compared to qualified applicants
• With further training measures for the unemployed: Higher due to proven further training and willingness to learn

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Entry-level opportunities

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• Without further training: Often only in similar or lower-level positions
• With further training for the unemployed: Access to new industries and future-proof career fields

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Self-confidence

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• Without further training: Can decrease due to prolonged unemployment
• With further training for the unemployed: Strengthened by new skills and clear prospects

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Signal to employers

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• Without further training: Less proactive-looking profile
• With further training for the unemployed: Demonstrates initiative, motivation, and professional growth

Take your career to the next level – tailored concepts for every target group

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Professional development is not a "one size fits all" endeavor. Depending on your starting point, prior education, and career goals, there are various ways to pursue meaningful further training. Especially in the context of funding and education vouchers, targeted opportunities are emerging for different groups who want to actively shape their professional future.

Who is funded professional development particularly suitable for?
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• Professional development for unemployed academics – Ideal for specializing existing expertise, e.g., in data analysis, project management, or digital business models, and for returning to qualified positions more quickly
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• Professional development for graduates – Perfect for the transition from university to the workplace, helping to build practical skills that are in high demand in the job market
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• Education vouchers for foreign nationals – A great way to integrate professionally in Germany, adapt qualifications, and significantly improve your prospects in the job market
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• Experienced professionals looking for a change – For anyone looking to reorient themselves or transition into a future-proof career field
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• Individuals returning after a long break – Support for re-entering the workforce, e.g., after parental leave, caregiving, or a health-related break

Which training is worth it? Find the perfect niche for your return to work

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The question of "which training is worth it" cannot be answered with a blanket statement—it depends heavily on your goals, your experience, and current job market requirements. However, with the right self-analysis, you can quickly determine which direction makes sense for you and offers genuine prospects.

Checklist: Is this further education right for you?

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• What are your professional goals – returning to work, moving up the ladder, or a complete career change?
• What skills and experience do you already have that you can build upon?
• Which industries or roles are you truly interested in for the long term?
• Are there high-demand fields (e.g., IT, data, marketing, project management) that suit you?
• Do you prefer working in analytical, creative, organizational, or communicative roles?
• How important are factors like salary, job security, or flexibility to you?
• Does the training fit into your daily life – in terms of time, finances, and logistics?
• Are there funding opportunities (e.g., education vouchers) that you can take advantage of?
• How practical is the training, and does it specifically prepare you for a job?
• Does the training support you in entering a clearly defined professional field?
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Start your career path now!

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Targeted qualification: How to easily apply for your education voucher

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The education voucher is one of the most important government subsidies for professional development in Germany. It allows you to complete a training program fully funded, provided certain requirements are met. To ensure your application is successful, you should follow the steps below.

Step-by-step guide: Applying for an education voucher

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1. Schedule a consultation with the employment agency: The first and most important step is a personal meeting at the employment agency or job center. They will assess whether further training makes sense for you and will improve your job prospects.

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2. Check your eligibility: Funding is only granted if the training is necessary – for example, to prevent unemployment or to help you re-enter the job market. Typical requirements for an education voucher include:

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• Unemployment or the threat of unemployment
• Need for new qualifications to improve job prospects
• Suitability for the intended career field
• Participation in an accredited training program

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3. Receive your education voucher: Once all requirements are met, you will receive your education voucher. This includes:

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• your specific educational goal
• duration of funding
• any regional restrictions
• an expiration date for redemption

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4. Choose the right further education: Use your education voucher to select a suitable, approved training program. Important:

• The program must be AZAV-certified
• and it must align with your defined educational goal.

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5. Submit the voucher to the training provider

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Submit your education voucher to the provider, who will then confirm your participation. This confirmation must be submitted to the employment agency before the course begins and within the voucher's validity period.

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6. Start your further education

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Once you have received final confirmation, you can get started – often with full coverage of costs, including learning materials, travel expenses, or childcare.

From initial consultation to course start: We guide you securely through the process

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The path to an education voucher can seem complex at first glance – from the initial consultation and choosing the right training to the application process itself. That is exactly where we come in. We guide you step-by-step through the entire process so you can focus on your real goal: your professional fresh start.

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Here is what that means for you:

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• Support in preparing for your consultation with the employment agency
• Assistance in selecting a suitable, eligible further education program
• Clear guidance on requirements and next steps
• Help with all documentation and formalities

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A key advantage: Our training programs are AZAV-certified. This means that both the content and the quality of the courses have been officially reviewed and approved. This certification is a prerequisite for your training to be eligible for funding via an education voucher.

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For you, this means:

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You are not just choosing an eligible training program, but also a vetted, practical course designed to prepare you specifically for the job market.

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Start your career path now!

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FAQ: Further education with an education voucher

What are the specific requirements for an education voucher from the employment agency or job center?

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Education vouchers are always awarded on an individual basis following an assessment by the Employment Agency or the Jobcenter. In principle, funding is approved when further training is necessary to significantly improve your prospects on the job market or to prevent unemployment.

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Key factors include your professional background, your qualifications, your personal suitability, and the current state of the job market. It is also important that you attend a consultation before starting the training and that the program aligns with a clearly defined educational goal.

How do I secure my income during the training program?

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Your income generally remains protected during subsidized further training. If you are receiving unemployment benefits, these will continue to be paid during the program. Alternatively, you may receive basic income support, provided the requirements are met.

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Additional costs, such as travel, childcare, or learning materials, may also be covered. In certain cases, you may even be eligible for extra allowances, such as training bonuses or incentives for successful completion.

Are there special programs, or which further training is most worthwhile for unemployed academics and graduates?

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For unemployed academics and graduates, the most worthwhile training is that which specifically complements existing knowledge and aligns it with current market demands. Qualifications in areas such as data analysis, IT, digital marketing, project management, or business intelligence are in particularly high demand.

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There is no "one right" training program—the key is the combination of your existing profile and clear demand in the job market.

How difficult is it to get an education voucher?

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An education voucher is usually granted if the requirements are met, but it is not awarded automatically. The Employment Agency carefully assesses whether the training is sensible and necessary and whether it will realistically lead to better job prospects.

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If you go into your consultation well-prepared, with a clear career goal and a suitable training program in mind, your chances increase significantly. Support with your preparation and a clear strategy can make all the difference.