ESF Funding Guideline Vocational Education and Training – Model Projects and Regional Cooperation
The State of Hesse, together with the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+), promotes innovative approaches in vocational education and training. The aim is to strengthen innovation, develop quality, and optimize cooperation in the school-to-work transition through grants for personnel and material expenses. The program seeks to adapt vocational education to the changing demands of the labor market and support the securing of skilled workers in Hesse.
Who is funded?
This funding guideline is aimed at legal entities under public and private law active in vocational education and training, to support innovative projects and promote the securing of skilled workers in Hesse. The geographic scope is limited to Hesse, with the goal of adapting vocational education to current labor market demands and ensuring access to high-quality education.
What is funded?
The program funds innovative model projects to strengthen innovation and quality development in vocational education and training, as well as activities to optimize cooperation in the school-to-work transition. Personnel and material expenses that contribute to achieving these goals are supported. The funding measures cover various thematic areas, from STEM career orientation to apprenticeship support and further training counselling for companies.
Type and Scope of Funding
Funding is provided as a grant, with the scope of funding varying depending on the specific program. The funding amount can be up to 90 percent of the total eligible expenses or granted as annual flat rates. Co-financing by third parties or own resources is possible and sometimes required.
Conditions and Requirements
To receive funding, applicants and projects must meet specific legal and qualitative requirements. These include evidence of project personnel qualifications, compliance with state aid regulations (where this program does not constitute state aid within the meaning of Art. 107 Para. 1 TFEU), and adherence to guidelines for eligible expenses.
Application Procedure
The application procedure requires electronic submission via the WIBank client portal and an additional written submission. Applications are announced via project calls on the ESF Hesse website, and applications must include detailed concepts and financing plans.
Legal Basis
The legal basis for the funding is the Guideline of the State of Hesse for the Promotion of Vocational Education and Training within the framework of the European Social Fund (ESF), supplemented by the Framework Guideline for ESF Plus in Hesse and the Guidelines on Simplified Cost Options. These documents define the funding provisions and the state aid classification of the program.
Similar Programs
Funding Overview
Funding Status:
Open
Maximum Amount:
Up to 80 percent of the total eligible expenses for model projects and up to €24,000 per year for activities optimizing cooperation in the school-to-work transition (OloV regions).
Open Until:
31.12.2027
Award Channel:
Framework Programme Call
Region:
Hesse (Germany)
Sectors:
Education and Vocational Training, Research and Development
Beneficiaries:
Vocational education, initial and further training
Application Type:
Single Applicant
Funding Stages:
Experimental Development, Implementation, Service Delivery, Capacity Building, Pilot Testing
Funding Provider
Program Level:
Regional
Funding Body:
Hessian Ministry of Economics, Energy, Transport, Housing and Rural Development, European Social Fund Plus (ESF+)
Managed By:
Wirtschafts- und Infrastrukturbank Hessen (WIBank) Labor Market/ESF-Consult Hesse
Additional Partners:
Vocational schools, training companies, Federal Employment Agency, HESSENCAMPUS