Bildungsgutschein – your path to free further training

A Bildungsgutschein offers access to educational measures provided by the employment agency or job center to give registered residents in Germany the opportunity for further education.

A Bildungsgutschein contains the following:

• The number of your Bildungsgutschein
• The validity period of the Bildungsgutschein. (The Bildungsgutschein must be redeemed within this period, and participation in an accredited training program must begin. If this is not the case, the Bildungsgutschein expires, and the costs of the training are no longer covered).
• The maximum approved duration of the training program.
• The agreed educational objective/course content.
• Details of the selected training programs (to be completed by the training provider).

The Bildungsgutschein from the Agentur für Arbeit and the Jobcenter offers financial assistance for people in professional transition phases. This includes the unemployed individuals, job seekers, and working professionals at risk of unemployment. Eligibility for a Bildungsgutschein only requires proof of the need for a training program. It will be issued if participation in the training program increases the chances of a successful return to work or helps to avoid unemployment. It can also help to catch up on a professional qualification.

What costs are covered by the Bildungsgutschein?

With a Bildungsgutschein, you can get the following services reimbursed:

• Course fees, including costs for learning materials and examination fees.
• Certain contributions to health care, pension, long-term care, and accident insurance.
• Childcare costs during participation in continuing education programs.
• Travel costs related to the training.

XDi offers recognized and certified courses that are approved for training subsidies. This means that you can receive financial support for all our courses.

Changes in professional situations can occur unexpectedly, yet are often foreseeable well in advance. It is therefore advisable to constantly monitor developments in your industry and company and to ask yourself whether your industry or job might be affected by digitalization and automation and whether your skills will remain in demand in the future. Take initiative now and seize the chance to proactively boost your professional prospects early on.

Before deciding on your application for a Bildungsgutschein, the Agentur für Arbeit will invite you to a consultation. In this interview, you will have the opportunity to discuss your options for the Bildungsgutschein with the advisors. Especially for individuals in permanent employment, it is important to be well-prepared for the interview and to consider the following tips:

• Take the time to prepare thoroughly.
• Make sure you have all important documents such as certificates, employment contracts, and details about the training you’re interested in, including an offer, at hand.
• Make a strong argument for your entitlement to the Bildungsgutschein and explain how the proposed training will secure your professional future.

Being punctual and presenting your documents in an organized manner are key to creating a positive impression and having a successful interview.

After receiving your Bildungsgutschein from the Agentur für Arbeit or the Jobcenter, you have the opportunity to choose a training program that meets your needs from a training provider of your choice. The course must be officially certified, and the provider has to have a valid accreditation (Träger- und Maßnahmezulassung) accordance with the applicable regulations of SGB III — just like Sapio. Once you’ve picked a training provider, contact the institute directly to initiate the next steps.

XDi is a certified training provider with an accreditation (Träger- und Maßnahmenzulassung) according to the regulations of SGB III. Only training providers with this accreditation are authorized to offer courses eligible for funding through a Bildungsgutschein. Take a look at the training courses we offer — either on our website or in the mein NOW database. Make sure that the training you have selected meets the approved conditions specified on your Bildungsgutschein. If you are still in the application process, feel free to request a personal course quote for the program you are interested in.

The processing time of the application varies and depends on several factors, including your individual circumstances and the current workload at your Agentur für Arbeit or Jobcenter. It is recommended to start the application process early to ensure that you receive the Bildungsgutschein on time.

Your Bildungsgutschein is usually valid for three months from the date of approval. The Bildungsgutschein must be redeemed within this period, and you must start the approved training program. If this is not the case, the Bildungsgutschein expires, and the costs of the training will no longer be covered.

Should your application for a Bildungsgutschein be rejected, you have the right to appeal against the decision. Please contact your local Agentur für Arbeit or Jobcenter to find out about the process.

The Bildungsgutschein cannot be used retroactively for courses or further training that have already begun. The voucher must be requested and approved before the start of the course.

There is no fixed maximum funding amount for the Bildungsgutschein. The funding amount depends on several factors, such as the cost and duration of the course, as well as your individual circumstances.

If you receive a job offer during your training, it doesn’t automatically mean you have to discontinue the course. We recommend discussing the situation with your contact at the Agentur für Arbeit or Jobcenter to determine the best course of action for you.

Upon successfully completing the course, you will receive your personal, internationally recognized certificate.

To further prepare for the challenges of the current job market (along with your newly acquired knowledge), we offer the following additional services:

• Online application training, where you can review all the useful tips and tricks for preparing your application.
• A career consultation session where you can receive personal advice from an experienced HR professional, in addition to the online training.
• Access to our alumni group for further exchange with current and former course participants.