Apply to the employment agency for support for people with disabilities who want to complete further training

If you need special assistance with vocational reorientation or change of direction due to physical, mental, sensory or learning impairments, you can take rehabilitation-specific continuing education. You can then continue your training either

• in the company with the support of an educational institution (in-company retraining)
• or directly in an educational institution
• or in a vocational rehabilitation facility.

You are covered by social insurance during your continuing education. The further training costs are paid by the Federal Employment Agency (Agentur für Arbeit), provided that the Federal Employment Agency is your responsible rehabilitation agency. Depending on your eligibility, you may be entitled to transitional benefits during your continuing education. During retraining that leads to a recognized vocational qualification, you will receive further training allowance of EUR 150.00 per month from 01.07.2023.

The aim of the further training is, for example, to improve your chances of integration on the labor market through qualification and to find employment appropriate to your health. The following measures are possible:

Rehab preparation course (RVL).

In the RVL, you will receive support services that prepare you for retraining. In addition, you will be supported in finding a suitable retraining company. The RVL usually lasts 3 months.

Further vocational training with a qualification

Through further training with a qualification (= retraining), you can obtain a vocational qualification in a recognized training occupation. The retraining period usually comprises 2/3 of the regular training period of the occupational goal. The entire retraining period is supported. If you have to repeat exams and your retraining period is extended as a result, the funding will also be extended.

If you complete a company-based retraining program, you will receive socio-pedagogical and, in some cases, psychological support, depending on your individual needs. The goal is for you to successfully complete your retraining and find a job afterwards.

An educational institution accompanies you throughout the entire retraining period with teaching, support and counseling services and helps you with problems at vocational school and in the company.

If in-company retraining is not possible for you, you can complete it at an educational institution or a vocational rehabilitation facility.

The theoretical part of the retraining takes place in the educational institution or vocational rehabilitation facility and in vocational schools. The retraining also includes support and remedial teaching and offers for exam preparation. The practical parts of the retraining are carried out by companies with which a retraining or cooperation agreement may be concluded.

Continuing vocational training without a qualification

Within the framework of continuing education without a degree, you can adapt your qualifications and knowledge to the current requirements of the labor market.

The content, duration and orientation of continuing education measures without a degree are varied. They can include knowledge transfer, but also support in taking up a job on the labor market and in-company phases. This also includes integration measures.

Depending on the target group and equipment, the (educational) facilities have their own workshops, offices and businesses with disability-friendly workplace design and provide pedagogical and, in some cases, psychological support.

Vocational rehabilitation facilities also offer residential and recreational opportunities and are available to answer occupational health questions.

Whether you can undergo rehabilitation-specific further training - supported by a company or in an (educational) institution - depends, among other things, on whether

• whether the measure is suitable for you and your specific case in order to increase your chances on the labor market,
• what your personal inclinations are and how they can be useful in your professional life,
• what activities you have performed to date, and
• how the labor market is currently developing.