ESF Funding Guideline Vocational Education – STEM Career Orientation
The State of Hesse, together with the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+), supports measures to promote vocational education and training. The program aims to improve career orientation, secure future generations in company-based training, and enhance the quality of educational offerings, especially in STEM professions and for underrepresented groups. Grants are awarded for various projects such as STEM career orientation, training support, education coaches, and mobility counseling centers.
Who is funded?
This funding program is aimed at legal entities under public and private law active in the field of vocational education. The measures must be implemented in Hesse and aim to improve career orientation for young people, recruitment of trainees for company-based training, participation in vocational further education, and the quality of educational offerings. Special emphasis is placed on underrepresented groups and innovative approaches in education.
What is funded?
The program funds a wide range of measures in vocational education, from in-depth career orientation in STEM professions to support for apprentices at risk of dropping out, and further education coaching for companies and employees. Funding for work-related international experiences and innovative model projects in vocational education is also provided. The measures should go beyond regular offerings and set specific thematic priorities.
Type and Extent of Funding
Funding is provided as a grant, with the funding amount varying depending on the program component and capable of reaching up to 90 percent of the eligible expenditures. The calculation of eligible expenditures is often based on standard unit costs (SEK) for personnel. Own funds or co-financing by third parties may be required.
Conditions and Requirements
Specific conditions apply to applicants and projects. These include compliance with legal bases, qualification requirements for project personnel, and, if applicable, certification obligations. The measures should go beyond regular offerings and pursue innovative or interregional approaches. No specific consortium conditions or de minimis aid rules are mentioned.
Application Procedure
The application process for the funding programs is based on project calls published on the website www.esf-hessen.de. Applications are submitted electronically via the WIBank customer portal, and additionally, the application must be submitted in written form to the Wirtschafts- und Infrastrukturbank Hessen. A detailed concept with specific information on work, personnel, time, expenditure, and financing plans must always be enclosed.
Legal Basis
The funding guideline is based on the Guideline of the State of Hesse for the Promotion of Vocational Education within the framework of the European Social Fund (ESF) – ESF Funding Guideline Vocational Education of May 21, 2023, supplemented by the Framework Guideline for European Social Fund Plus Interventions in Hesse (2021–2027) and the Guideline for the Application of Simplified Cost Options (VKO).
Similar Programs
Funding Overview
Funding Status:
Open
Maximum Amount:
Up to 90 percent of eligible expenditures
Open Until:
Ongoing
Award Channel:
Demand Driven Scheme
Region:
Hesse (Germany)
Sectors:
Education and Vocational Training, Research and Development, Information and Communication Technology, Environmental and Climate Protection
Beneficiaries:
Vocational Education, STEM Professions, Training, Further Education
Application Type:
Single Applicant
Funding Stages:
Planning, Implementation, Capacity Building, Awareness Campaigns, Experimental Development, Evaluation
Funding Provider
Program Level:
Regional
Funding Body:
Hessian Ministry for Economic Affairs, 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 School, Training Company, Federal Employment Agency (Career Counseling in Working Life, Labor Market and Qualification Counseling of Employer Services), HESSENCAMPUS