The promotion bonus will be doubled.

The Saarland is strategically strengthening vocational training and sending a clear signal to skilled workers. The Saarland's career advancement bonus has been doubled to €2.000 per graduate.

Simultaneously with the doubling of the Saarland advancement bonus, the successful funding program will be extended until December 31, 2028. The advancement bonus is granted for successfully completed master craftsman examinations and equivalent publicly recognized advanced training examinations in industrial-technical and commercial professions, as well as in agricultural occupations. With this, the state is specifically supporting the professional qualification of skilled workers. By doubling the bonus, the state government underscores the attractiveness of Saarland as a business and education location. At the same time, this measure is a clear commitment to the equivalence of vocational and academic education.

Reactions to the promotion bonus

• Economics Minister Jürgen Barke: "Career advancement deserves recognition and concrete support. With the doubled advancement bonus, we are strengthening skilled workers, securing know-how in the state, and making it clear: performance, responsibility, and practical experience count just as much as an academic degree in Saarland."
• Helmut Zimmer, President of the Saarland Chamber of Skilled Crafts (HWK): "Skilled workers with a master craftsman's certificate are in higher demand than ever. Therefore, the state government is sending exactly the right signal by doubling the career advancement bonus. This funding recognizes master craftsmanship and provides genuine support for a successful career after graduation. This applies especially to newly qualified master craftsmen and women who are aiming to start their own business or take over an existing one."
• Dr. Frank Thomé, CEO of the Chamber of Industry and Commerce: "The Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK) welcomes the doubling of the master craftsman bonus to €2.000. This measure, part of the skilled worker strategy, makes it easier to choose advanced vocational training leading to a master craftsman qualification and thus strengthens continuing vocational education in Saarland. It represents a further step towards the parity of university and vocational education. Adjusting the amount is also important because our neighboring state of Rhineland-Palatinate already pays a bonus of the same amount."

Extending the program until the end of 2028 provides planning security for graduates and is an important contribution to securing skilled workers and ensuring the long-term competitiveness of Saarland. The funding guidelines will come into effect retroactively to January 1, 2026. The increased advancement bonus applies to all those who take their exams on or after January 1, 2026.

 

Background: Promotion bonus SaarlandAll information about the promotion bonus can be found online here. 

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