Evaluation based on a participant survey of the ESF-funded programme "Training Programme NRW"

The „Ausbildungsprogramm NRW“ ran from 2018 to 2022 and provided funding for around 1.000 additional training places per year for young people with barriers to employment in 34 North Rhine-Westphalian cities and districts where the training market situation was unfavourable. Certified training providers gained interested training companies through the program. Vocational councelor from employment agencies and job centers suggested potential participants to the training providers, who were then placed with the companies. During the first phase of training, the trainees received support from the training provider and, if necessary, school and/or socio-pedagogical support. During the first 24 months of training, the company received a financial subsidy in order to create an additional incentive to provide training places.

The evaluation examined the implementation, target achievement and impact of the „Ausbildungsprogramm NRW“. It was designed to be summative rather than formative, especially as the program had already been implemented since 2018. The aim was to obtain concrete and implementable recommendations for action to improve the achievement of objectives and effectiveness as well as the further development of the program. The evaluation focused on the participants, as the company and provider perspective was covered by a parallel research project conducted by G.I.B. (Gesellschaft für innovative Beschäftigungsförderung).

A mixed-methods approach was used, which included both quantitative (standardized survey, evaluation of statistical data) and qualitative research methods (guided expert interviews, problem-centered interviews, focus groups, workshops).

Six key recommendations were derived from the results of the evaluation that could contribute to improving the effectiveness of the program and the following program "Ausbildungswege NRW", which was launched on 1 July 2023: Firstly, the target group should be sharpened; secondly, the providers should be empowered to do more public relations work as part of the new program; thirdly, individual support requirements of the participants should be identified and ensured; fourthly, internships in the matching phase should be strengthened; fifthly, the empowerment of the participants should be promoted; and sixthly, more intensive and continuous support should be ensured during the entire program peroid.

Final Report (in German)