Feb 13, 2025

3rd call for funding for the ESF Plus guideline "Zukunft berufliche Bildung": Creating new formats for initial and continuing vocational training

With this call, the Free State of Saxony intends to select and subsequently fund projects for the development of innovative and optimized digitally supported formats for modern, needs-based and high-quality vocational education and training.

The aim of the ESF Plus guideline "Future of Vocational Education and Training" is to set different accents for the flexibilization and individualization of vocational education and training, to improve the quality and attractiveness of vocational education and training as well as the willingness of Saxon companies and employees to undergo further training.

The aim is to initiate and accelerate reforms in vocational education and training and to strengthen the resilience of vocational education and training, in particular through the digitalization of learning opportunities and methods and flexible adaptation to changing labour market requirements.

As part of the 3rd call, projects with a project period of up to 36 months and eligible expenditure of at least €50,000 will be funded.

If the application is selected and approved, the funding amounts to 80 percent of the eligible expenditure. The own contribution can be covered by municipal or federal funds as well as contributions in kind. As personnel expenses are funded as a lump sum and this is generally lower than the actual costs incurred, additional own funds are required to cover shortfalls in personnel expenses in addition to the above-mentioned own contribution. A forecast for these costs is made during the application process.

For those interested, an information event will be held by the Saxon State Ministry of Economic Affairs, Labor, Energy and Climate Protection (SMWA) together with the Sächsische Aufbaubank - Förderbank (SAB) on March 11, 2025 from 11:00 am to 12:30 pm. You can register for the event here: Information event: third call for funding for the ESF Plus guideline "Zukunft berufliche Bildung" | Beteiligungsportal Zentrum für Fachkräftesicherung und Gute Arbeit Sachsen

You can find further information on the specific application process and the documents to be submitted on our program page.

Contact at EPC