Investment Promotion for Vocational Training Centers

Since 2022, the investment promotion for vocational training centers in the state of North Rhine-Westphalia has supported the modernization, restructuring, and further development of inter-company vocational training centers (ÜBS) into competence centers. In co-financing with the Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training (BiBB) or the Federal Office for Economic Affairs and Export Control (BAFA), public and non-profit sponsors receive a grant to improve their infrastructure. Depending on the primary use – initial training or further and continuing education – the funding is implemented by BiBB or BAFA respectively. The goal is to strengthen the educational location and create future-proof learning environments that ensure practice-oriented qualifications in the areas of initial and continuing vocational education. Continuous application submission enables flexible project planning and contributes to sustainably enhancing the quality and competitiveness of vocational education in NRW.

Eligible to apply are legal entities under public law as well as non-profit legal entities under private law that are sponsors of ÜBS, as well as state guild and professional associations that conduct inter-company vocational training for their members. Funding requirements include proof of sponsorship and compliance with the guidelines. Investments in the modernization of existing buildings, the restructuring of pedagogical and technical facilities, as well as the consistent further development into competence centers are supported. For the application, the current guidelines and forms of the Arnsberg District Government are binding. The District Government is responsible for the technical review and approval of the grants to permanently secure the operational capability and innovation potential of the ÜBS.