The Employment Agency may provide funding for measures designed to support your (re)entry into the workforce and improve your chances of integration into 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,
• place you in employment subject to social insurance contributions,
• to introduce you to self-employment, or
• to help you maintain stable employment.

You can participate in measures offered by a program provider or an employer. In addition, you may receive an activation and placement voucher to engage a private employment agency.

The Employment Agency may 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 Employment Agency 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 funding depends on the program’s objective and your individual support needs and is, in part, regulated by law. For example, programs at an employer’s site may last no longer than 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 qualification can be funded for adults through the vocational continuing education program (education voucher).

The Employment Agency provides information and advice on available programs and funding opportunities.

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

Exception: After six weeks of unemployment and eligibility for unemployment benefits, you generally have a legal right to an activation and placement voucher to engage a private employment agency.