Funding for Inter-company Vocational Training Centers (ÜBS) and their Development into Competence Centers

The program for funding inter-company vocational training centers (ÜBS) targets public legal entities and non-profit private legal entities that operate such training facilities. State guilds and professional associations that provide inter-company vocational training for their members are also eligible to apply. The goal is to ensure the quality and future viability of vocational education in Germany through modernization and development into competence centers, especially through nationwide coverage.

The program funds investments in inter-company vocational training centers, and for competence centers, specific personnel and material expenses. The focus is on measures that directly serve vocational initial, further, and advanced training, contribute to adapting to technological progress, and particularly support the development of innovative concepts and technology transfer. Excluded are pure building maintenance, administrative costs, and ongoing operating expenses.

The program offers non-repayable grants as part of co-financing for project purposes. The amount of funding varies between 45% and 65% of eligible expenses, depending on the project and location. A minimum amount of €50,000 is required for total measures, and project durations for competence centers can be up to four years, with the possibility of further extensions for specific development projects.

To receive funding, applicants must meet certain criteria, including operating a vocational training center and ensuring that the measures directly serve education. Co-financing by the applicant and the respective federal state is obligatory. The program is subject to EU state aid rules, particularly the GBER, and requires high utilization of the training facility as well as comprehensive documentation obligations regarding the appropriate use of the funded objects. Collaborations with private partners are permissible under certain conditions.

The application process for this funding program is multi-stage. It begins with an informal project notification to the competent approving authority (BIBB or BAFA) and the respective state authority. Following a basic review, which may include external assessment and involvement of the building authority, a formal application with comprehensive documentation is submitted. An early project start is possible under certain conditions but carries risks for the applicant.

The funding program is legally enshrined by the "Amendment to the Joint Guidelines for the Promotion of Inter-company Vocational Training Centers (ÜBS) and their Further Development into Competence Centers" of January 15, 2015. It integrates into the Vocational Training Act, the Federal Budget Code, and its administrative regulations. Furthermore, if not carried out within the framework of the state's training mandate, it is subject to the provisions of the EU General Block Exemption Regulation (GBER).