Taking Over and Hiring Trainees from Insolvent Companies

Companies and public institutions with an operational or training site in Lower Saxony can be supported with a non-repayable grant to continue training apprentices from insolvent companies. Funded are social security-obligatory apprenticeship contracts with a minimum duration of six months, whose training period is at least half completed by 31.12.2028 at the latest. The funding objective is to secure the successful completion of already commenced apprenticeships and to provide long-term prospects for skilled workers in the region. The program is supported by the Lower Saxony Ministry of Education in cooperation with the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) and simultaneously contributes to equal opportunities and non-discrimination in the training market.

In the program area "Transition Region (ÜR)," funding covers up to 60%, and in the area "More Developed Region (SER)," up to 40% of eligible expenses. Recognized are standardized unit costs of 600 euros per training month per apprentice, whereby training remuneration and employer contributions to social security are eligible for funding. Financing costs, investments in infrastructure, real estate, and input VAT amounts are not funded. Eligible to apply are companies of all sizes as well as public law corporations with an operational or training site in Lower Saxony. Applications must be submitted before the start of the project via the NBank customer portal and supplemented by the apprenticeship contract and confirmation from the responsible training chamber. The project duration is at least six months. Further information on funding requirements and the application process is available in the NBank customer portal.