Assisted Training (AsA) can support you every step of the way—from finding and securing a suitable apprenticeship to successfully completing your on-the-job vocational training.

AsA supports you, for example, if you have poor grades or are facing problems at your training company, vocational school, or at home that could jeopardize your admission to or success in the apprenticeship program.

You can also receive support through AsA while completing an entry-level qualification (EQ).

An educational provider with experienced teachers, social educators, and a training mentor will work with you to develop an individualized support plan.

Depending on your individual needs, you can receive this support for a limited period of time or throughout the entire duration of your apprenticeship or EQ program.

During your participation, a training mentor will be available to you as a dedicated point of contact.

If you are completing your on-the-job vocational training or EQ on a part-time basis, you can receive the same level of support during the accompanying phase of the AsA program.

As a young person with a disability, you can also participate in the AsA program if it meets your individual support needs and enables you to participate in working life.

Your training company can also receive support through the AsA to ensure the success of your vocational training or EQ.

The AsA is divided into two phases.

Preliminary Phase (optional)

This phase provides support in finding and securing a company-based apprenticeship position. Activities may include, for example:

• internships,
• career guidance if necessary,
• job application training,
• boosting motivation, or
• to a limited extent, addressing language and educational gaps.

Participation is full-time (39 instructional hours per week) and generally lasts 6 months. If you are unable to find a company-based apprenticeship position during this time, participation may be extended for an additional 2 months.

If you have signed an on-the-job training contract or a contract for the completion of an EQ, you can participate in the accompanying phase of the AsA program at any time if you need further support.

While participating in the preliminary phase, you may receive a vocational training allowance.

Note for Training Companies:

As a training company, you can get to know your future trainee during the preliminary phase—for example, through an internship—and also receive support from the educational provider. This support includes, for example:

• Support for in-house trainers in preparing for the apprenticeship
• Support in preparing application documents for the training company to apply for funding.

Accompanying Phase

During this phase, you can receive support:

• Assistance in overcoming language and learning difficulties
• in developing theoretical skills, knowledge, and abilities
• with measures to help you successfully complete your apprenticeship or EQ program and avoid dropping out, and
• in preparing for the transition to a job covered by mandatory social insurance after completing your training
• in stabilizing or finding employment after completing your training.

Your support is coordinated with the training company and goes beyond the typical content provided by the company and the training program. Both you and the training company receive individualized support.

The number of hours per week for the exchange and instructional programs is tailored to your individual needs. These sessions generally take place outside of the company’s scheduled training hours.

The duration of your support is based on your individual needs. This may apply for the entire duration of your training or vocational qualification, or only for a limited time.

The focus of the support phase includes:

• Tutoring for vocational school classes,
• Tutoring in language classes,
• Preparation for class tests and exams,
• Mediation discussions between trainers, teachers, and/or parents,
• Social-educational support, or
• Support with personal problems that affect vocational training or EQ

are still available, now as part of the AsA program.

The AsA can be suspended for up to 6 months if you temporarily do not need support. If no further support is needed after the 6 months have elapsed, the AsA will be terminated.

Follow-up support after completing your vocational training is available for up to 6 months if needed, provided you have found a job. If you were unable to secure a job, the AsA can continue to assist you in your job search for up to 1 year after the end of your vocational training.

If you incur travel expenses as part of the AsA program, you must pay for them yourself. The Employment Agency or the Job Center does not reimburse these costs.

Note for training companies:

As a training company, you will receive

• the necessary support in managing, organizing, and conducting the vocational training or educational qualification (EQ) of the supported trainee or participant in an EQ, as well as
• support in day-to-day operations to help stabilize the apprenticeship relationship or the EQ program.

Regular discussions with your trainees or EQ participants help identify difficulties and develop solutions.

To this end, a written statement to the educational provider is required, confirming that you will enable your trainees or participants in an EQ program to take part in the individual support services provided under the AsA program.