Continuing-education grant takes effect: German demand for further training increases

"The demand for further education fortunately increases," said Federal Minister Annette Schavan when the German government issued the 10,000th continuing-education grant voucher. "It is a good sign that more and more citizens recognise the growing importance of further training – and the government helps to realise their plans."

The Federal Ministry of Education and Research supports German employees with grant vouchers to the value of up to 500 Euros in order to enable more people to improve their job opportunities through continuing education. The grant covers 50 per cent of the yearly costs for a training course or assessment. Employed persons are entitled to a grant voucher if their current taxable income does not exceed 25,600 Euros (51,200 Euros for partners).

Currently, more than 200 grant vouchers are issued every day. Thus, the demand for training services has been increased by 400 per cent compared to the previous demand.

"The more learners and providers benefit from the grant, the more the word spreads. Interest obviously increases among consumers, providers and counsellors. We will support and reinforce this trend," said Schavan.