2023
There have been no reforms.
2022
Dual apprenticeship for small and medium-sized enterprises
Apprentices receive higher minimum compensation since 1 July
The government of the German-speaking Community has increased the minimum monthly compensation for apprentices and, to this end, adapted the decree on education and training in small and medium-sized enterprises. According to Minister of Education Lydia Klinkenberg, the new rates will apply from 1 July 2022, i.e. from the beginning of the new apprenticeship year. In October 2020, a working group consisting of representatives of the Institute for Initial and Continuing Training (IAWM), its board of directors and representatives of all sectors submitted a joint proposal to the government to increase the minimum monthly compensation for apprentices. On behalf of the Minister of Education, the opinions of all relevant stakeholders were subsequently gathered on the project. These were all positive.
2021
ZAWM (Zentrum für Aus- und Weiterbildung) submits a project application for 01.01.2022 with the focus on vocational testing, shortened training and German as a second language support. A survey of ZAWM staff on refugee and immigrant apprentices has shown that, on the one hand, only a few people from this target group find their way into apprenticeships. On the other hand, an increased need for support was identified in this target group, especially in the area of German as a second language, but also in mathematics and French.
In order to create a broader access to apprenticeship, the BIDA III project would like to offer a vocational trial for interested adults. In addition, a shortened and low-threshold training programme called "training on the job" is to make training possible for people for whom a three to five-year apprenticeship would not be an option. The project wants to respond to the great need for support in the area of German as a foreign language, but also in mathematics and French, by offering individual support in the form of individual and group tutoring. The language support (DaZ) accompanies the participants in mastering general knowledge, technical knowledge and in the workplace. The project is designed for a funding period of three years.
Adult learning
The funding of classical adult education, i.e. the annual flat-rate grant according to Article 10 of the Decree of 17 November 2008 on the promotion of adult education institutions, remains in place. The funding of the already approved supplementary grants according to Article 11 of the same decree of 17 November 2008 also remains in place. The government has decided to extend the grant guarantee.
The eligibility criterion of a minimum of 104 CET (Continuing Education Offer Days) offer days per year or (since 1 January 2020) 208 CET units within two calendar years, of which at least 160 units are aimed at adults and at least 40 units take place in the north and 40 units in the south of the German-speaking area - according to Article 7(3) of the same decree of 17 November 2008 will be softened due to the current situation.