Retraining

Retraining is an opportunity for people who, for example, have no chance of finding a job in their profession for health reasons or because of the situation on the labour market. Retraining is an adult-oriented shortened training. Retraining therefore has a shorter duration of training than initial training in the corresponding profession. Retraining may be authorised, inter alia, if the participant is suitable, there is no other possibility of integration into the labour market and there are realistic employment opportunities in the new training occupation. Those who have taken part in a vocational retraining can have their retraining certificate recognised.

Retraining can be done in a number of ways:

• Individual retraining: Retraining is similar to initial training in the dual vocational training system. This refers to parallel training in the company (in which the practical activity is carried out) and vocational school.
• Group retraining: Retraining takes place mainly in training workshops of training providers. In cases of vocational rehabilitation, retraining may also take place in vocational promotion organisations if this is necessary due to disability. Group retraining is rounded off by internships in companies.

The costs of retraining vary according to the type of retraining and are usually covered by a social security institution (e.g. employment agency, pension insurance, accident insurance) which authorises retraining. In addition to the costs of the course itself, retraining may be associated with further financial burdens for those affected. In order to cushion these and to secure a livelihood, there are also benefits from different institutions.
Each service provider provides all services in full in accordance with the law applicable to him, i.e. training costs and subsistence benefits:

• Agency for Labour: In this case, if you complete a company retraining or retraining with a training provider, you will receive the so-called unemployment benefit for continuing vocational training. If you take part in a retraining course in a vocational promotion agency, you will receive a transitional allowance. If you incur considerable travel costs due to the distance to the new training centre, these can be reimbursed.
• Accident insurance: If you need retraining due to an occupational disease or an accident at work, you will also receive a transitional allowance. This is paid to you by the accident insurance (competent professional association). In addition, you will be reimbursed for the costs of the courses and accommodation in a vocational training fund.
• Pension insurance: If your earning capacity is at risk, the pension insurance institution checks whether benefits for participation in working life – career-promoting benefits – are likely to be successful. Here, too, you will receive transitional allowance and reimbursement of other necessary costs.
• Retraining for people with disabilities: Special services are available for people with disabilities.