Further Training for the Future – Qualification for Employed Persons (ESF+ 2021–2027)

Continuing Education for the Future – Qualification for Employees (ESF+ 2021–2027) is a funding program of the Free State of Bavaria, which, with the support of the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+), promotes innovative projects in the field of vocational further education. The program is aimed at continuing education providers, public institutions, and companies that design and implement qualification measures for employees. The goal is to adapt the skills of the workforce to the changing demands of the labor market – driven by technological, economic, social, climatic, and demographic developments – thereby securing the long-term competitiveness of the Bavarian economy. Particular attention is also given to the promotion of women to ensure inclusive and equality-oriented further education.

The funding concept provides for a non-repayable grant of up to 40 percent of eligible costs. Eligible expenses include, in particular, direct personnel costs, continued payment of wages for participants, as well as flat-rate residual costs. For a project to be eligible for funding, participants must come from at least two independent companies or self-employed individuals and have their residence and workplace in Bavaria. Furthermore, a minimum scope of 40 teaching units per participant must be ensured – alternatively, two consecutive training courses with at least 20 teaching units each can be combined into one project. The selection of funded projects is based on clearly defined criteria such as the quality of the further education, the cost-effectiveness of the project, and the planned measures to promote equality and inclusion.

The funding initiative also supports the integration of modern teaching methods by promoting workplace models such as “blended learning” or purely online courses under certain conditions. This flexible approach enables project sponsors to effectively respond to the challenges of a changing work environment and pandemic-related training deficits. In addition, systematic measures such as the expansion of internal training structures within companies and transnational cooperation are supported. The initiative is centrally coordinated by the Bavarian State Ministry for Family, Labor and Social Affairs in Department S4, which, together with the responsible funding authorities, oversees the allocation of funds and compliance with the prescribed framework conditions. This funding program thus provides an important foundation to sustainably strengthen vocational further education in Bavaria and to promote the adaptability of the workforce to future market requirements.