Retraining is a structured qualification leading into a new profession. It is typically used when the current job is no longer feasible for health reasons, when structural change has erased opportunities, or when a targeted move into a shortage occupation is desired. Funding via the German Federal Employment Agency or pension insurance is possible under certain conditions.
Duration and form vary widely: from full-time school-based programmes, to in-company retraining with chamber-of-commerce qualifications, to modular further-education paths with recognised certificates. Classics are nursing and educational professions, IT, logistics, commercial roles and increasingly sustainable energy technology.
Financial support includes education vouchers, rehabilitation benefits, Bürgergeld-related coaching or the Aufstiegs-BAföG. Anyone considering retraining should seek counselling early – the choice of provider and target profession largely determines success.
Lunigi supports re-entry after successful retraining – curated AI-safe roles with realistic entry thresholds.