If you need special help in retraining or reorienting your career due to physical, mental, sensory or learning impairments, you can take part in rehabilitation-specific further training. You can then complete your training either

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

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

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

Rehabilitation preparation course (RVL)

The RVL provides you with support services that prepare you for retraining. You will also be assisted in finding a suitable retraining company. The RVL usually lasts 3 months.

Further vocational training with a qualification

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

If you complete in-company retraining, you will receive socio-educational and sometimes psychological support depending on your individual needs. The aim is for you to successfully complete your retraining and then find a job.

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

If you are unable to retrain in a company, you can complete this in an educational institution or 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 as well as exam preparation courses. The practical parts of the retraining are carried out by companies with which a retraining or cooperation agreement may be concluded.

Further vocational training without a qualification

As part of further training without a qualification, you can adapt your qualifications and knowledge to the current requirements of the job market.

The content, duration and focus of further training measures without a qualification are varied. They can include knowledge transfer, but also support in taking up employment on the labor market and in-company phases. This also includes integration measures.

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

Vocational rehabilitation facilities also offer residential and leisure facilities and are available for occupational health issues.

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

• whether the measure is suitable for you and your specific case in order to increase your chances on the job market,
• what your personal inclinations are and how these can be useful in your professional life,
• what jobs you have done so far and
• how the labor market is currently developing.