03.08.2018 Ι Whether computer workshop or language course: Those who want to continue their education and do something for themselves or their career can apply for a special vacation. Our guidebook “Bildungsurlaub” gives tips for a smooth course of the paid education time.
A language course would be nice, but so far there was no time for that? How about educational leave? It is not difficult to apply, but few workers know about this right. Only one to two percent of employees use educational leave. Too bad, because the professional and personal benefits of continuing education is great.
Where are laws for educational leave?
In almost all federal states, employees can be released for vocational or political further education. The arrangements for paid educational leave are based on the 1974 International Labor Organization (ILO) Convention. It obliges signatory states to introduce paid educational leave for vocational, general and political education – also known as “educational leave”.
Since the federal government has taken no initiative to implement this obligation, individual federal states have passed state laws. In 14 of the 16 countries, there is the right to paid time off. Only Bavaria and Saxony have no corresponding regulation.
How many days for education?
The relevant laws of the federal states stipulate how many days employees can take off work. Almost everywhere, five working days per calendar year are planned, which can also be “saved” over two years. Then ten working days are possible within two consecutive calendar years.
Apply in time
An exemption must be requested in advance. The regulations on application deadlines vary depending on the federal state: In most cases, employees have to plan between four and eight weeks. However, it is advisable to discuss the time off with the employer much earlier than permitted by law. Finally, the employer should not be bottlenecks during the employee’s absence. The application for exemption must also include the planned educational event, which must be recognized under the Further Education Act. Appropriate documents and forms usually have the organizers.
And if the boss says “no”?
A timely and correctly requested exemption must be approved by the employer. He can only refuse the exemption if there are urgent operational reasons against it. This is the case, for example, when too many other colleagues are already on vacation, which jeopardizes the regular work process in the company. If rejected by the employer, the right to the paid exemption does not expire.
Which courses can I do?
If you want to attend a further education that is connected to the job, you may avoid dealing with the supervisor. However, educational leave is not limited to continuing vocational training. Also political or cultural further education is promoted. If the course is recognized in terms of the Further Education Act, you can also learn a language or take a course in stress management. In the case of uncertainties, employees should inquire with the organizer whether the educational offer in the respective federal state is recognized as an educational leave. If the answer is dare, employees better talk to the employer about further options.
Who bears the costs?
The costs of continuing education are shared between the employee and the employer: The employer pays the remuneration during the training, the employee bears the costs of the seminar or course, the overnight stay and the journey.
Use tax advantages
Expenditure on vocational education and training can be deducted from income tax or income tax. In addition to the course fees, the tax office also recognizes the costs for journeys, overnight stays and meal allowances.
Helpful addresses
On the Portal of the Conference of Ministers of Culture one is forwarded to the respective portals of the federal states with training laws. There, not only the individual state laws are explained in detail, but usually also recognized educational events listed.
Trade unions are among the largest education providers in Germany. The IG Metall also offers numerous recognized seminars where active members can participate for free.