The shortage of skilled workers in the social and educational professions is a persistent problem that has a major impact on work in child and youth welfare. To counteract this, we would like to draw attention to an opportunity to recruit new specialists: practice-integrated further training to become a state-recognized educator.

In accordance with Section 81 (2) SGB III, financial support is available if employees do not have a vocational qualification or have not worked in their original profession for four years, are currently in semi-skilled or unskilled work and are no longer likely to be able to work in a job that corresponds to their vocational qualification. Daycare assistants in particular often meet these criteria. The prerequisite for funding is that regular employment contracts exist and that the employees are released from work by the vocational school for the downtime required during further training.

The Federal Employment Agency offers funding for employees' downtime during further training and covers up to 100 percent of the course costs. Within the three-year, practice-integrated training course, not only 2,400 hours of lessons at the vocational college are covered, but also 1,200 hours (900 hours) of practical training in child and youth welfare facilities. The exact amount of funding is determined by the local Federal Employment Agency.

The Ministry for Children, Youth, Family, Equality, Refugees and Integration, the NRW Regional Directorate of the Federal Employment Agency and the Ministry for Schools and Education are inviting you to a digital information and networking event. This offers the opportunity to network directly with providers, vocational schools and employment agencies:

Topic: Opportunities for employee qualification in further training to become an educator
Date: Tuesday, 3. March 2026, 2:00 pm to 4:30 pm
Registration: Here via the link to the event
Contact for queries: fp-223[at]mkjfgfi.nrw.de (fp-223[at]mkjfgfi[dot]nrw[dot]de)