In dual vocational training, the company pays a monthly training allowance. Training covered by the Vocational Training Act (Berufsbildungsgesetz, BBiG) or the Crafts Code (Handwerksordnung, HwO) is subject to a statutory minimum allowance, which depends on the year training begins. For training starting in 2026, the monthly minimum is 724 euros in the first year, 854 euros in the second, 977 euros in the third and 1,014 euros in the fourth year. Collective-agreement rates may apply; actual pay also varies by occupation, industry, region and company. These amounts are gross. Taxes and social security contributions may reduce the amount paid out. For in-company or external vocational training, the Federal Employment Agency (Agentur für Arbeit) may pay a vocational training allowance (Berufsausbildungsbeihilfe, BAB) if certain conditions are met. The calculation takes into account, among other things, your needs and income and, where applicable, your parents’ or partner’s income. Distance, living away from home and personal circumstances also matter. The application counts from the month it is submitted, so it should be filed before or at the start of the period when support is needed. For school-based vocational training, student support under the Federal Training Assistance Act (BAföG) may be available depending on the type of school and personal eligibility; the vocational training allowance is generally not available for this type of training. Other support, for example for application costs or necessary travel, often needs to be discussed with the Federal Employment Agency before the costs arise. Under certain conditions, parents may receive child benefit while a child is in training, up to their 25th birthday. Grants for companies to provide training are separate from this: they do not directly cover the trainee’s living costs.
Funding for vocational trainers before starting vocational training in Germany
Vocational training in Germany is usually funded through the training allowance. Its amount depends on the occupation, industry, region, company and any applicable collective agreement. If the money is not enough, government assistance or other support may be available depending on the type of training and personal circumstances.
Tip
Plan around the amount that will actually be available after deductions, and check possible support early. The right kind of assistance depends mainly on whether your training is in-company or school-based and on the income and housing costs considered.