NRW Education Voucher Open
With the support of the European Social Fund (ESF), the state of North Rhine-Westphalia promotes the participation of employees in small and medium-sized enterprises, self-employed individuals, and those returning to the workforce in professional training. The NRW Education Voucher provides applicants with a subsidy for training costs to advance their professional qualifications and skill development and improve labor market integration.
Who is Funded
The NRW Education Voucher funding program targets a wide range of target groups in North Rhine-Westphalia, including employees, self-employed individuals, those returning to the workforce, as well as companies and educational institutions. The overarching goal is to strengthen professional competencies, secure skilled labor, and promote integration into the labor market, particularly considering regional and European strategies.
What is Funded
The funding covers a broad spectrum of measures for professional development and labor market integration, from training and consulting to specific education programs. Various types of costs are covered, while certain expenses are excluded. The funded projects aim at different levels of maturity, from career orientation to skilled labor qualification.
Type and Scope of Funding
The program primarily offers grants to cover project costs. The funding amount varies depending on the specific sub-program and can be up to 100% of the eligible expenses, often with upper limits per person or day. Project durations are also program-specific.
Conditions and Requirements
Funding is tied to specific conditions, ranging from the applicant's income situation to compliance with aid regulations. Applying often requires prior consultation and adherence to detailed reporting obligations.
Application Process
The application process is multi-stage and often begins with a consultation, followed by the submission of complete documents to the responsible approving authority. Project selection occurs either directly or through an upstream decision-making body, such as the AG Einzelvorhaben.
Legal Basis
The NRW Education Voucher funding program and associated measures are based on the ESF Funding Guideline 2021–2027 of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia, supplemented by European regulations and other aid frameworks.
Funding Overview
Maximum Amount:
500.00 EUR
Deadline:
always open
Open Until:
31.12.2030
Award Channel:
Demand Driven Scheme
Region:
North Rhine-Westphalia (Germany)
Sectors:
Education and Vocational Training, Healthcare, Service Sector, Green Technology, Other
Funding Stages:
Process Optimization, Planning, Implementation, Service Delivery, Capacity Building, Other
Funding Provider
Program Level: Regional
Funding Body: Ministry of Labor, Health and Social Affairs of North Rhine-Westphalia, European Social Fund (ESF), Just Transition Fund (JTF)
Managed By: responsible Regional Agency, ESF Managing Authority, District Governments (as approving authorities), AG Einzelvorhaben (Working Group on Individual Projects)
Additional Partners: Education Voucher Counseling Centers, Chambers of Commerce, Economic Development Agencies, Adult Education Centers, Further Education Networks (as contact points/counseling centers), Vocational Training Center of the Construction Industry NRW gGmbH, State Business Promotion Office of the North Rhine-Westphalian Crafts Association (as beneficiaries and partly onward transmission partners for specific programs)
Website: Ministerium für Arbeit, Gesundheit und Soziales des Landes Nordrhein-Westfalen – Regionalagenturen