DIHK Suggestions

• From the perspective of DIHK, a second regular funding at the same level of advanced training would be sensible, as initially provided for shortage occupations in the coalition agreement.
• The loan portion should be interest-free, as is the case with student BAföG. This would provide parity between vocational and academic education under the AFBG.
• The DIHK suggests making the density of advanced training more flexible and straightforward.
• Applications could be processed more quickly if the process is fully digital.
• The DIHK recommends making decisions by the federal and state governments transparent and evaluating the procedure with input from all parties involved, including the IHKs.

Background

The Advancement BAföG supports aspiring professionals in advanced training within Higher Vocational Training, such as the Bachelor Professional. According to DIHK’s "Advancement Study on Further Training,” over half of the Higher Vocational Training graduates certified by IHK received Advancement BAföG. Essentially, the benefits for course costs and examination fees are being increased. The debt reduction for the outstanding loan for course and examination fees rises from 50% to 60%. Additionally, it should be explicitly regulated in the future that funding is excluded for university degree programs, and who qualifies as a measure provider. Payments by employers should no longer diminish the funding contribution for measures. The draft does not include a second regular funding at the same advanced training level, which the current coalition agreement at least initially provides for shortage occupations.

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