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New Agency in Bremen Aims to Boost Workforce Development
In Bremen, Germany, a new entity known as LABEW+ has been formed through the merger of the State Agency for Vocational Training and Transformation, the RKW service centers "Work and Family", and "German at the Workplace". This merger aims to provide a comprehensive range of services to support companies, employees, and jobseekers in Bremen and Bremerhaven.
The services offered by LABEW+ include bundled advisory services from a single source, tailored to provide support for attracting, retaining, and developing skilled workers. The agency's services are divided into three service centers focused on Vocational Training, Career, and related employment services.
One of the key services provided by LABEW+ is financial support for those residing in Bremen undertaking further training or qualification. The Qualification Bonus for Employees provides €200 per month during the course of the training, with an advisory consultation at LABEW+ required to apply, and eligibility checks conducted during the process.
Another service offered by LABEW+ is assistance with the recognition and validation of foreign qualifications. This helps skilled workers with international credentials integrate into the local labor market.
The Service Center "German at the Workplace" is a significant part of LABEW+'s offerings. This service center networks companies with best practices in the field of awareness-raising measures, conceptualizes individual measures in companies, and offers occupational language training or coaching. It also conducts language proficiency assessments and provides business consulting for reconciling work and care for relatives.
The Service Center "Vocational Training" (formerly LabeW) offers counseling for obtaining a vocational qualification through external examination (NQE), business consulting, funding opportunities, assistance in acquiring skilled workers, securing the workforce through qualification, Bremen Training Voucher, Qualification Bonus for employees, and occupation-related further training counseling.
The new entity, LABEW+, is now known as the State Agency for Vocational Training and Transformation. Senator for Labor Dr. Claudia Schilling visited the new LABEW+ premises on July 23. She stated that the labor market is changing rapidly and the importance of qualification and vocational training is growing significantly. Transformation processes, she said, offer both companies and employees new opportunities.
Through cooperation with network partners, LABEW+ promotes the transparency and awareness of existing offers. The goal of this restructuring is to leverage synergies and provide more comprehensive support to job seekers and companies. LABEW+ provides support for occupation-related language acquisition for vocational qualification and further training, awards the "Excellent Family-Friendly" quality seal, and offers consultation for businesses on reconciling work, family, and private life, including implementing innovative working time models and company-supported childcare.
With its wide range of services, LABEW+ acts as a one-stop agency offering counseling, financial incentives, and employment-related support services designed to enhance vocational training, skill development, and workforce transformation in the Bremen region. The agency's integration supports streamlined access to all these offerings for businesses and individuals alike.
