Ausbildung for people with disabilities in Germany
State-funded support programs (Unterstützung)

In Germany, people with disabilities have equal opportunities in vocational education, supported by strong programs that aim for full professional and social inclusion. The state offers a range of measures and programs that help individuals enter the Ausbildung system and complete it successfully.

Who is considered a person with a disability?

• People with a permanent physical, intellectual, or psychological disability that affects their ability to work or learn.

• Those who hold a Schwerbehindertenausweis or have Gleichstellung (legal equal status).

Types of support programs available

• Ausbildung mit besonderer Unterstützung: a regular apprenticeship with additional tailored support as needed

• Reha-Ausbildung: vocational training designed for people with severe physical or intellectual disabilities

• Werkstätten für behinderte Menschen (WfbM): sheltered workshops for those who cannot enter the regular labor market

• Berufsvorbereitende Bildungsmaßnahmen (BvB-Reha): pre-apprenticeship programs to assess abilities and build skills

• Assistierte Ausbildung (AsA): apprenticeship with ongoing support from trainers and social/educational supervisors

• Inklusionsbetriebe: inclusive companies offering a supportive training and work environment

Reha-Ausbildung – vocational training within a special rehabilitation framework
This program is often run by:

• Berufsförderungswerke (BFW)

• or Berufsbildungswerke (BBW)

Key advantages:

• training with medical, psychological, and educational support

• small groups and accessible, adapted facilities

• ongoing career counseling

• on-site accommodation when needed

• full funding by a public institution (Agentur für Arbeit or Rentenversicherung)

What financial support options are possible?

• BAB (Berufsausbildungsbeihilfe): provided by the Agentur für Arbeit — covers housing, transport, and living costs

• Ausbildungsgeld: for people in Reha-Ausbildung — monthly financial support during training

• Kostenübernahme: by the pension insurance or Jobcenter — covers equipment, books, assistance, and courses

• Hilfsmittel: by health insurance or the agency — disability-related aids (wheelchair, speech device, etc.)

Can you obtain a recognized qualification?
Yes. Graduates typically receive an IHK or HWK certificate just like other apprentices—unless they are in WfbM, which usually provides an internal qualification certificate. Later, integration into the open labor market can be possible.

How to get started:

• Contact the Agentur für Arbeit — Reha/SB department (Abteilung “Rehabilitation und Schwerbehinderte”)

• Submit a medical/educational report describing the disability

• Take part in an assessment and interview

• Receive career guidance and choose the most suitable program

• Enroll (either BvB-Reha or directly Ausbildung)

Inspiring examples

• Mohammed (22): partial hearing loss, completed an apprenticeship in digital printing with AsA support.

• Lisa: autistic, completed a rehabilitation program at BBW and became an inventory management specialist.

Benefits of these programs:

• a supportive and safe environment

• officially recognized qualifications

• personal support throughout the training period

• comprehensive financial coverage

• strong chances of labor market integration

Support and counseling organizations:

• Agentur für Arbeit – Team Reha

• Integrationsfachdienst (IFD)

• Berufsförderungswerke (BFW)

• Sozialamt / Jugendamt

• Schwerbehindertenvertretung within companies

ـ* The website’s writers and editors strive to provide accurate information through extensive research and reviewing multiple sources. However, some errors may occur or some information may be unconfirmed. Please treat the information as an initial reference and always consult the relevant authorities for confirmed information.