There are many types of professional development. For example, companies may offer in-house training courses, or individuals can acquire new knowledge on their own through external training programs. Studying while working is also a way to expand one’s professional expertise and gain insight into new developments in one’s field.
On-the-Job Training
In this type of training, employees are trained by an experienced colleague. One advantage of this approach is that questions and problems can be discussed immediately. This form of training is also closely aligned with day-to-day work. Topics may include, for example, how to use a new computer program or how to interact appropriately with customers.
Company-Sponsored Continuing Education
In-house training typically takes place during working hours. Here, seminar leaders teach new skills that can be directly applied in daily work, thereby preparing employees for new developments in their respective fields.
In-house training programs are usually tailored specifically to the employees’ needs. The offerings depend on the respective industry. For example, training might include an introduction to new software or a programming language. However, the range of options is broad. Courses on stress or conflict management, efficient organization, or learning English are also possible, along with many other options. The costs for in-house continuing education are often covered by the employer.
Career Advancement Training
Another option for continuing education is career advancement training. Career advancement training is designed to enable participants to advance in their careers by helping them expand their professional competencies. In Germany, a general distinction is made between career advancement training with a final exam and career advancement training without a final exam. Continuing education qualifications that conclude with an exam include, for example, Master Craftsman/Woman, Industrial Foreman/Woman, Business Administrator, or Business Manager.
Advanced training programs are regulated by various laws and ordinances. On the one hand, there are advanced training programs at the master craftsman level. Qualifications such as Certified Vocational Educator and Certified Business Administrator under the Crafts and Trades Code, among others, build upon these. These training programs are codified in the Vocational Training Act (BBiG) and the Crafts and Trades Code (HwO). If there are no legal regulations governing the training programs, the relevant professional chambers may issue examination rules for the training qualifications. This means that the relevant chamber determines exactly what the final examination after the training program entails, what it covers, who is eligible to earn the qualification, and so on.
You can find a wide range of information on career advancement—such as continuing education opportunities in specific occupations—on the “Career Advancement” page of the Federal Employment Agency.
Further information on career advancement training can be found on the “Aufstiegs-BAföG” page of the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology, and Space.
The “Quality of Continuing VocationalEducation and Training” checklist on the Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training’s website provides information on funding opportunities for continuing vocational education and training.
Pursuing a Degree
You can also pursue a degree while working. Distance learning is one option for this. With this form of study, you only need to be physically present at the university for a few days. Students receive the necessary materials from the distance learning institution to study the course content independently. In addition, modern media, such as the Internet, are frequently used. A part-time degree program supplements independent study with seminars and courses held in the evenings or on weekends. This provides an opportunity to exchange ideas with fellow students or ask the instructor questions directly. A high school diploma is generally a prerequisite for such continuing education programs. However, depending on the degree sought, several years of relevant professional experience may also be accepted as a substitute.
Another option is a part-time degree program at a university or college. In this case, the structure of the program depends on the respective educational institution. Classes are usually held on weekends or in intensive block sessions.
Information on part-time study programs and educational institutions in Saxony-Anhalt can be found under “Part-Time Study in Eastern Germany: Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt, Thuringia, Brandenburg, Berlin” on the “Studying on the Side” website.
Another way to find a suitable degree program at an appropriate college or university is through the “Hochschulkompass” website of the German Rectors’ Conference.
Retraining
Retraining involves a career change. It refers to training or continuing education for a profession other than the one previously practiced or learned. Knowledge and experience from the previous occupation can be applied to this process, which allows for a shorter training period for the new career path compared to that of a beginner. Those interested in retraining must meet certain conditions to be eligible for financial support.
One of the most important prerequisites for receiving funding for retraining is that employment in the previously learned profession is no longer possible. This may be due to a health impairment or a lack of job opportunities in the field of the previously learned profession. A key factor in approval is the risk of unemployment.
The applicant must be at least 18 years old. In addition, the applicant must have already undergone vocational training, though this does not necessarily have to have been completed. Funding is still possible even if the applicant dropped out or was unable to successfully complete the training.
The Federal Employment Agency provides all relevant information on retraining on its “Changing Careers” page.