The Job Center can provide funding for measures designed to support your (re)integration into the workforce and improve your chances of entering the labor market. Specifically, these activation and vocational integration measures aim to

• introduce you to the training and labor markets, as well as to identify, reduce, or eliminate barriers to employment that hinder your professional integration,
• to place you in employment subject to social insurance contributions,
• to introduce you to self-employment, or
• to help you maintain your employment.

You can participate in measures offered by a program provider or an employer.

The Job Center can commission a provider to carry out the program and assign you a spot in the program.

However, you can also receive an activation and placement voucher from the Job Center to register with a provider of your choice. The voucher contains details about the goal and content of the program, which will be discussed and agreed upon with you in advance.

The maximum possible duration of support depends on the program’s objective and your individual support needs and is, in part, regulated by law. For example, programs with an employer may last for a maximum of 6 weeks. If you are long-term unemployed or face particular barriers to employment, you may participate for up to 12 weeks.

The training in vocational skills may not exceed 8 weeks. Longer training programs or programs leading to a vocational certification can be funded for adults through the vocational continuing education program (education voucher).

The Job Center will provide you with information and advice on available programs and funding opportunities.

There is no legal entitlement to this funding. Your Job Center decides whether you will receive support and, if so, the amount.