Can I ask my employer to pay for my further training?
June 19, 2022 | 40,00 EUR | answered by Bernhard Vollmann
Dear Sir or Madam,
My name is Paula Niemeyer and I have been working as a graphic designer in a small company for five years. Over the past few years, I have regularly attended further training courses to expand my knowledge and skills. However, I have noticed that these courses are very expensive and represent a significant financial burden for me.
So far, my employer has never offered to cover the costs of my further training. I am wondering if I can demand that my employer covers the costs of my further training. I believe that these courses improve my work and performance, benefiting the company as well.
I am concerned that the financial burden of further training is becoming increasingly difficult for me to bear, and I may not be able to afford them in the future. Therefore, it is important for me to know if there are legal options to compel my employer to cover the costs of my further training.
Could you please inform me if I can request my employer to pay for my further training? Are there any legal regulations or agreements in the employment contract that could assist me in this situation? I would greatly appreciate your support and advice on this matter.
Thank you in advance.
Sincerely,
Paula Niemeyer
Dear Ms. Niemeyer,
Thank you for your inquiry regarding the coverage of costs for further education by your employer. It is understandable that you are concerned about the financial burden of further education and would like to know if your employer can cover these costs.
In general, your employer is not obligated to cover the costs of your further education unless it is contractually agreed upon or there is a corresponding works agreement or collective bargaining agreement that provides for cost coverage. In your case, it is important to check if there are any regulations regarding this in your employment contract or in the applicable collective bargaining agreements.
If there are no provisions for cost coverage for further education in your employment contract or in the applicable collective bargaining agreements, you do not have a right to demand that your employer covers the costs. It is at the discretion of the employer whether they are willing to bear the costs.
However, it may be that your employer is willing to partially or fully cover the costs out of their own interest in your further education and improving your performance. In this case, it is advisable to have a conversation with your employer and explain your situation and motivation for further education. It may be possible to find a solution that is satisfactory for both parties.
If your employer is not willing to cover the costs of your further education and there are no contractual provisions regarding this, unfortunately, you will have to bear the costs yourself. However, it is important to consider in advance whether the further education is truly necessary and beneficial for your professional development and if you are willing to bear the financial burden for it.
I hope this information has been helpful to you. If you have any further questions or require guidance, please feel free to contact me.
Sincerely,
Bernhard Vollmann
