Innovative Vocational Initial Training Education Projects

This funding program targets legal entities operating educational institutions and other legal persons who wish to implement innovative projects in initial vocational training in Lower Saxony. The funding aims to improve the transition from school to work and facilitate vocational training.

Innovative education projects aiming to improve the transition into initial vocational training are funded. This also includes projects that facilitate the success of vocational training and the transition into employment, as well as systemic approaches for the further development of vocational education systems.

Financial support is provided as a non-repayable grant in the form of co-financing. The funding amount varies depending on the project area, and the project duration is generally limited to 24 months.

To be eligible for funding, applicants must demonstrate secured overall financing for their project and meet specific quality criteria, which are evaluated using a scoring model. Furthermore, overarching EU principles must be observed.

Applications for funding must be submitted via the customer portal of the Investment and Promotional Bank of Lower Saxony (NBank). There are fixed application deadlines, and the granting authority decides on the allocation of funds based on a professional opinion and considering the available budgetary resources.

The funding program is legitimized by a guideline of the Lower Saxony Ministry of Education and Cultural Affairs and is regulated by specific EU regulations, as well as general state budget ordinances and administrative provisions.