REGIO ACTIVE – Cooperative Training, Enhancement of Training Quality and Attractiveness (COOPERATIVE)

REGIO AKTIV – Cooperative Training is a funding program of the state of Saxony-Anhalt that provides subsidies for in-company vocational training within training cooperatives, financed by the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+). The initiative aims to enhance the quality and attractiveness of training through improved cooperation between companies, educational institutions, and other organizations. In particular, measures are supported that ensure a structured organization of collaboration and intensive socio-pedagogical support for trainees. These measures are intended to create realistic training positions and promote the integration of young people into dual vocational training programs.

The funding program targets a wide range of organizations such as educational institutions, recognized providers of independent youth welfare services, as well as companies headquartered or operating in Saxony-Anhalt. Subsidies are granted to finance personnel expenses and material costs and are primarily intended for projects that facilitate the transition of young people from school to work. The target group generally includes pupils, trainees, and young people up to the age of 25, and in justified individual cases, even up to 35 years. The targeted support thus not only promotes the acquisition of professional knowledge but also the individual socio-pedagogical care, which is essential to ensuring the success of the project.

The project duration is generally 36 months, providing sufficient time to achieve sustainable effects in the training sector. In a structured two-stage selection process, submitted project proposals are initially pre-selected by Regional Working Groups (RAK) before formal application submission. The pedagogical staff employed organize the cooperation and accompany the trainees, which helps reduce premature contract terminations and intensifies preparation for practical and theoretical vocational training. Overall, the funding represents not only financial support but also an instrument to promote regional training quality and strengthen the transition of young people into the regular labor market. Thus, the program combines economic efficiency with social inclusion and long-term prospects for all involved stakeholders.