Bridges to Apprenticeship

The "Bridges to Apprenticeship" program is aimed at small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Hamburg that employ young people, particularly participants from vocational qualification (BQ) or entry-level qualification (EQ) measures from the 2021/2022 cohort, in an apprenticeship. The funding aims to enable the transition of these young people into company apprenticeships while supporting the securing of skilled labor in Hamburg's training companies.

The "Bridges to Apprenticeship" program supports specific vocational training relationships that build on previous vocational or entry-level qualification measures. Support is provided in the form of a grant towards apprenticeship remuneration. The funding focuses on the implementation of the training itself and not on its preparation or planning.

Funding is provided as a direct, non-repayable grant for apprenticeship remuneration costs. The amount of the grant is fixed and granted for a limited duration, providing planning security for training companies.

Specific conditions must be met to receive funding, relating to the apprentices, the start of the apprenticeship, and the nature of the apprenticeship relationship. Furthermore, the funding is subject to the EU's De minimis aid regulations, which entail limitations and disclosure obligations for applicants.

The application process for "Bridges to Apprenticeship" is direct and requires postal submission of documents to the Hamburg Investment and Development Bank (IFB Hamburg). Project selection is made within the limits of available budgetary funds and at the discretion of IFB Hamburg.

The legal basis for the "Bridges to Apprenticeship" program is a specific guideline, supplemented by the Act on the Hamburg Investment and Development Bank. In addition, the funding is bound by European De minimis aid regulations, which further specify their legal framework.