Digitalization has long since reached the field of technical documentation as well. About two-thirds of all employees in technical documentation are career changers. This presents—especially now—a good opportunity for subject-specific continuing education, because in the future, support will no longer be focused solely on the unemployed, low-skilled, and older workers, but will also extend to everyone else—regardless of education, age, or company size.
This is made possible by the draft “Qualification Opportunities Act” from the Ministry of Labor, which was approved by the Federal Cabinet on September 19, 2018. The aim is to support employees—and companies—in mastering the digital transformation.
To take advantage of this individualized support, you must contact two entities: the Employment Agency and your employer. The Employment Agency determines eligibility but will also be required to provide counseling in the future. Of course, the employer also plays a role in deciding whether to grant an employee time off for continuing education, as there is no legal obligation to do so.
Use Funding to Targetedly Develop and Retain Skilled Workers
Through continuing education, employers can support their skilled workers and help retain them (at least emotionally). The Employment Agency provides 50% funding to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with 10 to 250 employees. People with severe disabilities and those over 45 may even be eligible for up to 100% funding.
At tecteam Bildungsinstitut, the market leader in training and continuing education for technical documentation, you'll find a wide variety of topic-specific seminars and e-learning courses that can also be customized to suit your needs. For more information, visit: https://tecteam.de/bildung/
The tekom certification is another possible option. If you are a tekom member, you are entitled to a tekom qualification consultation as part of your membership benefits.
Only professional development, no promotion of personal interests
Funding is available for continuing education programs lasting at least four weeks—held outside the employee’s own company. Another condition for funding is that the employee must have obtained their vocational degree at least four years ago and that there must be a professional need for the training. Private interests or hobbies are not eligible for funding.
Are you interested in continuing education in technical documentation? If so, talk to your employer and your advisor at the employment agency—and to us!
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