In 2020, almost one in three households with children in Bremen was headed by a single parent, significantly more than in the rest of Germany. Single parents, in particular, bear a special responsibility for their children: housework and childcare take priority, and there is no one with whom to share these tasks.
For many single parents – especially those with young children – it is therefore difficult to be employed or to begin an education alongside care work.
Since 2005, it has been possible to complete vocational training on a part-time basis. Part-time training can make it easier to balance family and career during the apprenticeship. But how exactly is such a part-time apprenticeship structured, and who benefits from it?
What exactly does part-time training entail?
Part-time vocational training is generally possible in all recognized dual training programs: that is, all training programs where you work in a company and also attend vocational school. You typically continue to attend vocational school full-time, together with all other trainees.
Some vocational schools already offer reduced class times; it's best to check with your current vocational school or the one you would attend after starting your apprenticeship. The work itself, however, takes place on a part-time basis.
There are two options for part-time training:
If you can work at least 25 hours per week in the company, the training period cannot be extended.
2) Extended training period:
If you can work less than 25 hours per week, the training period will be extended accordingly. However, the maximum extension is limited to 1.5 times the regular training period.
If your full-time apprenticeship lasts, for example, 3 years, it can be extended to a maximum of 4.5 years in part-time training. However, the apprenticeship doesn't always have to be extended; whether and how your apprenticeship period is extended varies for each part-time apprentice.
Are you wondering if part-time training is right for you and your family?
Especially for people,
- who are solely responsible for one or more children,
- the family members care for
- who have an impairment or health problems,
- who had to interrupt their training for a longer period of time due to pregnancy, illness or other reasons,
Part-time vocational training is a good opportunity to learn a profession. It's best to talk to your training company about the available options.
Generally speaking, part-time vocational training is possible for anyone of any age. Perhaps you'd like to pursue another job alongside your training, or you have a time-consuming hobby that you don't want to neglect. In that case, you could also consider part-time vocational training.
What is the best way to finance part-time vocational training?
Some companies pay the same salary for part-time apprenticeships as for full-time apprenticeships, but this varies from company to company. If you don't earn enough during your apprenticeship, whether full-time or part-time, you can apply for various forms of support:
If you have to care for a child and/or live in your own apartment, you may be entitled to vocational training assistance (BAB).
BAföGrecipients with family responsibilities receive special support, including a childcare supplement.
: The subsidy covers the rent excluding heating, hot water and electricity costs, plus the amount to relieve heating costs – but this generally does not apply if you receive BAföG or benefits under the German Social Code, Book III (SGB III).
If you have one or more children, Plus be of interest to you. It can be particularly beneficial for those who work part-time.
supplement (KiZ) can be received if your income is sufficient for your own living expenses, but is not sufficient or only just sufficient to cover the entire needs of your family.
Do your research and ideally seek individual advice from the relevant contact points.
What else is important to know if you are interested in part-time vocational training?
Things you should pay attention to:
- Make sure that the part-time agreement is stipulated in your apprenticeship contract with your company.
- Agree on your working hours with your employer so that you can optimally fulfill your care responsibilities.
- Talk to the company about whether and how the length of the training will change.
Your employer needs to clarify with the relevant Chamber of Skilled Crafts or Chamber of Industry and Commerce how the training plan will be changed. The relevant chamber must approve this change. The vocational school will also be informed that the training will take place part-time.
It's important for you to know that, just like with a full-time apprenticeship, you are entitled to vacation days. If you are present every day that your company works, you are currently entitled to 24 vacation days.
Where in Bremen can you get advice on part-time vocational training?
In Bremen there are many advice centers where you can get more information about part-time apprenticeships and help in finding the right apprenticeship.
Do you have questions about finding an apprenticeship, navigating the apprenticeship market, or about specific apprenticeship occupations? Then you can contact the following organizations:
People interested in vocational training in the skilled trades can project "Matching Apprenticeship Positions" or specifically on this topic part-time training .
The Chamber of Commerce offers training advice and is available to help with all questions relating to training.
from the Youth Employment Agency You can get advice
If you have already started an apprenticeship and are experiencing problems at work, vocational school, or in your personal life, you can also contact the "Stay on Track" project . Here, solutions will be developed with you so that you don't have to drop out of your apprenticeship.
Women* can receive advice from the "Women's Working Worlds" on career (re-)orientation, training, re-entry into the workforce and the compatibility of work and family.
The women's counselling centre also offers advice and support specifically for single parents and for part-time training/retraining.
As part of her studies at the University of Applied Labour Studies of the Federal Employment Agency, Lisa Wichmann completed a one-week internship at the Bremen Family Network. In her "Labor Market Management" course, she had already focused on the topic of "part-time vocational training" and its significance in reducing poverty, particularly for single mothers.