If you need special assistance with career change or reorientation due to physical, mental, sensory, or learning disabilities, you can enroll in rehabilitation-specific continuing education. You can then complete your continuing education either

• at your workplace with support from an educational institution (workplace retraining)
• or directly at an educational institution
• or at a vocational rehabilitation facility.

You are covered by social insurance during your training. The Job Center pays for the training costs, provided that the Federal Employment Agency is your designated rehabilitation provider. Depending on your eligibility requirements, you may be entitled to the Citizen’s Income during your training. Starting July 1, 2023, if you are enrolled in a training program lasting longer than eight weeks, you will receive a “Bürgergeld” bonus of 75.00 EUR per month. During retraining that leads to a vocational qualification, you will receive a training allowance of 150.00 EUR per month starting July 1, 2023.

The goal of continuing education is to improve your chances of integration into the labor market—for example, through training—and to find employment that is appropriate for your health. The following measures are available:

Rehabilitation Preparation Course (RVL)

In the RVL, you’ll receive support services to prepare you for retraining. In addition, you’ll receive assistance in finding a suitable retraining provider. The RVL typically lasts 3 months.

Vocational Training Leading to a Certification

Through continuing vocational training leading to a certificate (=retraining), you can earn a vocational certificate in a recognized apprenticeship occupation. The retraining period usually covers two-thirds of the standard training duration for your target occupation. Funding is provided for the entire retraining period. If you need to retake exams and your retraining period is extended as a result, the funding period will also be extended.

If you are participating in on-the-job retraining, you will receive social-educational support—and, in some cases, psychological support—tailored to your individual needs. The goal is for you to successfully complete your retraining and subsequently find a job.

An educational institution will support you throughout the entire retraining period with instruction, support, and counseling services, and will assist you with any problems you encounter at vocational school or at the workplace.

If on-the-job retraining is not an option for you, you can complete it at an educational institution or a vocational rehabilitation facility.

The theoretical portion of the retraining takes place at the educational institution or vocational rehabilitation center and at vocational schools. The retraining program also includes remedial and support classes as well as exam preparation courses. The practical components of the retraining are carried out by companies with which, if necessary, a retraining or cooperation agreement is concluded.

Continuing Vocational Education Without a Certificate

Through continuing education without a degree, you can adapt your qualifications and knowledge to the current demands of the job market.

The content, duration, and focus of continuing education programs without a degree vary widely. They may include knowledge transfer, as well as support for entering the labor market and workplace placements. This also includes integration measures.

Depending on the target group and available resources, the (educational) institutions have their own workshops, offices, and businesses with disability-accessible workplace design and provide you with educational and, in some cases, psychological support.

Vocational rehabilitation facilities also offer housing and recreational opportunities and are available to address occupational health issues.

Whether you can pursue rehabilitation-specific continuing education—either with employer support or at an (educational) institution—depends, among other things, on

• whether the program is suitable for you and your specific situation to improve your prospects on the job market,
• what your personal interests are and how they can be useful in your professional life,
• what types of work you have done in the past, and
• how the labor market is currently evolving.