Imagine that the German state has a “golden ticket” – like in the movie about the chocolate factory. This ticket grants access to professional career coaches, useful courses, and training that will help you find your dream job. And the best part – you can get it absolutely free.
This “golden ticket” is called AVGS (Aktivierungs- und Vermittlungsgutschein). It sounds complicated, but in reality, it is one of the most powerful and, alas, underestimated tools for integration into the German labor market. Let’s figure out how to get it and use it to its full potential.
Section 1: What is AVGS and Who is Eligible?
In short, AVGS is a voucher with which the Jobcenter or Agentur für Arbeit pays for services that help you find a job faster. It is an official tool stipulated by law (§ 45 SGB III).
It is important to understand who gets it and how:
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If you receive unemployment benefits (ALG I) from the Agentur für Arbeit: after 6 weeks of unemployment, you have a legal right to receive a voucher if the agency has not been able to place you in employment.
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If you receive citizen’s allowance (Bürgergeld) from the Jobcenter: you do not have an automatic right to a voucher. Its issuance is a discretionary decision of your case manager (Ermessensleistung).
This is precisely why, for Jobcenter clients, which includes most newly arrived migrants, proper argumentation is so important. You must convince your case manager that this voucher is not a whim, but a necessary investment in your future.
Section 2: The Superpower of AVGS: What Can It Be Used For?
The possibilities of the voucher are much broader than they seem at first glance. Here are just a few examples of what it can cover:
| Area | Examples of Specific Services | How Will It Help You? |
|---|---|---|
| Candidate “Packaging” | Individual coaching on creating a resume (Lebenslauf) and cover letter (Anschreiben) according to German standards. | Your documents will look professional and pass automatic checks by recruiting systems (ATS). |
| Interview Preparation | Interview training (Vorstellungsgespräch), working on self-presentation, answering tricky questions. | You will feel confident during the interview, be able to articulate your experience effectively, and avoid common mistakes. |
| Career Orientation | Strength analysis (Potenzialanalyse), career strategy development, searching for suitable vacancies. | You will understand which direction to move in Germany and be able to focus your search instead of scattering your efforts. |
| Starting Your Own Business (Gründung) | Coaching for aspiring entrepreneurs (Gründercoaching), assistance in writing a business plan for funding. | You will gain knowledge and support to start your own business in Germany. |
| Specialized Courses | Short-term courses on specific software (Excel, DATEV, Photoshop), professional language courses. | You will acquire a missing skill that employers in your field require, making you a more competitive candidate. |
Section 3: Your Step-by-Step Plan to Get the “Golden Ticket”
Remember the main rule: the initiative must come from you! Do not expect your case manager to offer you an AVGS themselves.
Step 0: Homework. Find a Course and Provider.
Before going to the Jobcenter, you need to find what you need.
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Go to the official KURSNET portal from the Agentur für Arbeit.
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In the search bar, enter the name of the service and your city (e.g.,
Bewerbungscoaching Berlin). -
In the filters on the left, find the section “Fördermöglichkeiten” and check the box next to “Aktivierungs- und Vermittlungsgutschein (AVGS)”.
You will see a list of all certified schools and coaches in your region.
Step 1: First Contact. Get Support.
Choose 2-3 providers that interest you most and contact them. Tell them you are a Jobcenter client and want to take a course with them using an AVGS. They are your allies! They usually conduct a free consultation, help you choose the ideal program, and prepare a commercial offer (Angebot) with a unique measure number (Maßnahmenummer) for you to show your case manager.
Step 2: Conversation with the Case Manager. “Sell” Your Idea.
This is the crucial stage. You go to the meeting not with a problem (“I can’t find a job”), but with a solution.
Your argumentation should be clear:
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Problem: “I send out many resumes, but I don’t get invited for interviews. I think my documents don’t meet German standards.”
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Solution: “I found a certified coaching program [Provider Name] that specializes in preparing documents for my profession. Here is their offer. This coaching will directly solve my problem and significantly increase my chances of employment.”
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Request: “I ask you to support my initiative and issue me an AVGS to complete this program.”
Step 3: Receiving and Activation.
If you were convincing, the case manager will issue you a voucher. It will indicate the purpose (e.g., “Heranführung an den Ausbildungs- und Arbeitsmarkt”), the region, and the validity period (usually a few weeks). Your task is to take this voucher to your provider as soon as possible, and you can start your training!
Section 4: What to Do If… (FAQ)
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…the case manager says “No”?
This is unpleasant, but not the end of the world. Politely ask for the reason for refusal. Perhaps the case manager believes you can manage on your own, or has doubts about the usefulness of the course. Thank them for the meeting, and for the next appointment, prepare even stronger arguments. Sometimes, simply getting an appointment with a different case manager helps. -
…how to choose a good coach?
Look for reviews on Google or LinkedIn. During the first free consultation, pay attention to how well the coach listens to you, whether they understand the specifics of your profession, and whether they inspire your trust.
Conclusion
AVGS is not a handout from the state. It is a smart investment in your professional future that helps the country’s economy. Your task is to show that you are a reliable investment.
Be proactive, do your “homework,” and come to meetings prepared. This “golden ticket” can become your most effective tool on the path to a successful career in Germany. Use it!