Innovative Educational Projects in Initial Vocational Training

In Lower Saxony, the program "Innovative Educational Projects for Initial Vocational Training" offers public and independent legal entities – including educational institutions, associations, and chambers – funding of 40% (more developed regions) up to 60% (transition regions) of eligible expenses. The financing is provided as a non-repayable grant from the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) resources. The project duration is generally 24 months. Eligible to apply are institutions with an operational site in Lower Saxony, secured overall financing, and demonstrated quality criteria according to the scoring model. Eligible costs include direct personnel and fee expenses, participant remunerations, as well as a flat-rate for residual costs covering other expenses. Combining this with other ESF+ or EU Structural Funds programs is excluded. Projects for trainees or employees of the state administration are not eligible for funding. Applications can be submitted via the NBank customer portal by April 30 and September 30 each year.

The aim of the funding is to test innovative concepts that improve the transition from school to work, strengthen training success, and facilitate entry into employment. Systemic and conceptual measures are intended to contribute to the further development of structures and framework conditions of vocational education. The integration of cross-cutting objectives – gender equality, equal opportunities, ecological sustainability, and good work – is an integral part of the project design. Grant payments are made quarterly upon verification of supporting documents. The application must include a detailed project description, personnel and activity plans, declarations regarding the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights, and electronic document archiving. The Investment and Development Bank of Lower Saxony (NBank) supports applicants with individual expert advice and a needs-based review process throughout the entire funding procedure.