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Introductory Qualifications

Young people gain practical experience in the company, get to know a training profession, and improve their chances of securing a training position. Companies discover motivated future employees at an early stage and secure their skilled workforce of tomorrow.

Introductory qualifications (EQs) with IHK certificate are a gateway to vocational training for young people who are not yet fully prepared for a traditional apprenticeship. For companies, "EQs" are an additional option to identify talents.

What is an Introductory Qualification?

Young people eager and able to train should be given an opportunity if they have not found a training position following the nationwide autumn placement campaigns. Leaving the potential of these young individuals untapped is not in the interest of the economy and society. The aim of company-based introductory qualifications with an IHK certificate is to unlock potentials through entry into training and employment.

With introductory qualifications, young people have the opportunity to get to know parts of a training profession, a company, and working life within four to twelve months. The introductory qualification serves as a door opener for training or employment.

What do companies need to do?

Entrepreneurs sign a contract with the young people regarding the introductory qualification. Contract templates and examples for introductory qualifications are available from the IHK. They can define additional areas of activity together with the IHK training advisor.

They employ young people in their company and pass on specific technical and social competencies. The young people are committed to learning.
In the case of compulsory vocational school attendance (varies by state), companies enable the young people to attend school.
The Employment Agency subsidizes the remuneration of the EQ. The subsidy is regularly revised. Additionally, it provides a flat-rate subsidy for overall social security contributions, which is also revised regularly.
At the end of the introductory qualification, companies issue a company certificate and assess the performance.
The IHK issues a certificate that facilitates the transition to subsequent training or employment.
For subsequent training in the same profession, upon application and in cases reviewed individually by the responsible IHK, the EQ portion that demonstrably corresponds in content and scope to the training profession can be credited toward the training duration.

Desperately seeking apprentices! Amid significant challenges in securing skilled workers, businesses are showing increased interest in tools for on-the-job vocational preparation.

Transition rates exceeding 60 per cent

In this context, entry-level qualifications (EQs) have proven to be a highly successful support programme for young people transitioning from school to work. Especially when combined with assisted training options or vocational language courses, these long-term internships enable targeted preparation for vocational training, even in cases where learning or language deficits exist. EQs contribute to the professional integration of young people and thus to securing skilled workers. Transition rates into vocational training exceed 60 per cent.

Here’s how it works: During internships lasting four to twelve months, participants acquire initial vocational basics tailored to the requirements of apprenticeships. They can demonstrate their skills and motivation during this period. Businesses gain practical insights into their potential apprentices and ideally guide them into subsequent vocational training. In some cases, EQs can be credited towards the duration of training—a win-win situation, especially since the Federal Employment Agency subsidises the internship remuneration and social insurance contributions.

Changes in April, June and August

This tool becomes even more attractive with the legal adjustments introduced on 1 April 2024 by the Vocational Education and Training Act:

The minimum duration was shortened from six to four months.
Part-time regulations were eased.
Funding is now available even if a previous apprenticeship contract in the same company was prematurely terminated.
EQs are now open and funded for young people with disabilities, preparing them for apprenticeships according to §66 of the Vocational Training Act or §42r of the Crafts Code.

Further improvements came on 1 June 2024 via various statutory regulations:

The previous age restriction for under 25-year-olds was abolished.
If EQ participants attend vocational language courses, the company's contribution can decrease up to 50 per cent.
Administrative processes were simplified for businesses, including improved online applications via eServices.

Finally, since 1 August 2024, the maximum funding amount for an EQ increased to €276 (previously €262). Additionally, the Federal Employment Agency now contributes €142 instead of €135 towards the flat-rate total social insurance contribution. Subsidies are regularly adjusted.

The respective funding amount and detailed information on EQs can be found on the Federal Employment Agency’s website or via their free employer hotline: 0800 4 555520.