Munich – September 08, 2026 -- Germany's unemployment rate climbed to 6.5 percent in August 2026, with 36,000 more people out of work than a year earlier, according to the Federal Employment Agency's latest monthly report. Against this backdrop, labor market experts point to the state-funded 'Bildungsgutschein' (education voucher) as a tool to help workers requalify before joblessness becomes long-term.
Manufacturing and metal industries post the steepest job losses
Compared to the previous year, employment fell most sharply in manufacturing (down 171,000), the metal, electronics and steel sector (down 121,000), and vehicle trade and maintenance (down 52,000). Job numbers also declined in intermediate goods production, temporary staffing, and information and communication services. The IAB job vacancy survey shows open positions have been trending downward since 2022.
AI could eliminate 790,000 jobs over 15 years -- and create a similar number
A new research report from the Institute for Employment Research (IAB), the Federal Employment Agency's research arm, projects that artificial intelligence could displace roughly 790,000 jobs in Germany over the next 15 years. Losses are expected mainly in business services such as secretarial work, call centers and directory services, alongside warehousing, healthcare, wholesale trade, public administration, real estate, and legal, tax and business consulting. IT and information service providers, by contrast, are expected to see gains of a similar magnitude.
The voucher covers course fees, exams, travel and childcare
A Bildungsgutschein can be issued when retraining is deemed necessary to end or prevent unemployment. It is time-limited, regionally restricted, and tied to a specific training goal at an accredited provider. Covered costs can include course fees, learning materials, exam fees, travel, childcare, and accommodation. Unemployment benefits typically continue during training, and completion-oriented courses can add 150 euros per month in training allowance, plus bonuses of 1,000 euros for passing an interim exam and 1,500 euros for a final exam.
IT training ranks fifth among funded retraining fields
Federal Employment Agency figures show funded retraining has grown steadily more relevant, with computer science and other ICT professions already ranking fifth among subsidized fields. Frederic Fels, training director at Developer Akademie, said hiring criteria in job listings are shifting quickly, while many employees still lack the digital and AI skills now in demand -- a gap he argues makes the voucher increasingly critical for career changers.
Applying starts with a consultation at the local employment agency
Workers begin by scheduling a consultation with the Agentur für Arbeit or Jobcenter, where advisors assess whether training is needed to prevent or end unemployment. Applicants then select an accredited course -- searchable via the 'mein NOW' portal -- before redeeming the voucher, provided the training institution holds AZAV certification.