Training
"Part-time training? That doesn't exist."
You want to train part-time because of a child, caring duties, health or a side income.
§ 7a BBiG / § 17 Abs. 5 BBiG
It depends …
It does — since 2020 possible for everyone if you and the company agree.
Since 2020, any vocational training can be carried out part-time; a special reason such as a child or caring duties is no longer required (§ 7a BBiG). The requirement is an agreement with the company in the training contract — you have no unilateral right. Daily or weekly training time may be reduced by at most 50%. The training period is extended accordingly, to at most one and a half times the normal length. Pay may be reduced proportionally, but not more than the training time (§ 17 (5) BBiG). Part-time can be combined with shortening under § 8 BBiG.
What the law says
§ 7a (1) BBiG – Part-time
Vocational training can be carried out part-time. The reduction of daily or weekly training time must be agreed in the training contract; it may not exceed 50 percent.
§ 7a (2) BBiG – Duration
The duration of part-time training is extended accordingly, but at most to one and a half times the duration set in the training regulation.
§ 17 (5) BBiG – Pay
In part-time training, pay may be reduced appropriately; the reduction may not exceed the reduction in training time.
What you can do
- Raise the wish early — ideally before signing the contract.
- The IHK/HWK advises on part-time models and registers them.
- Check support: BAB, child supplement or housing benefit can close the gap.
- School times stay the same — part-time applies to the company.