Corporate training

In-Company Training: Why It Is Becoming More Important

The working world is changing rapidly: New technologies, digital processes, and evolving market demands require employees to continuously adapt their skills. Therefore, companies that wish to remain competitive in the long term are increasingly investing in in-company training. But what exactly does this mean? Is in-company training considered working time? And when can one undertake training?

What is meant by in-company training?

In-company training refers to all educational measures that an employer organizes or financially supports to improve the qualifications of their employees. It goes beyond the initial training and aims to acquire new skills or deepen existing knowledge.

In-company training can take place in various forms, including:

• Internal Training and Seminars: These take place directly within the company and are often conducted by internal or external trainers.

• External Training: This includes specialist courses, workshops, or conferences outside of the company.

• E-Learning and Blended Learning: Digital learning platforms enable employees to continue their education flexibly – often combined with in-person events.

• On-the-Job Training: Here, employees learn through practical experience by taking on new tasks or being trained by colleagues.

Difference Between Training and Further Education

The terms "training" and "further education" are often used synonymously, but there are differences:

• Further education serves to deepen and specialize within the current professional field, often with the goal of advancing professionally, for example, through a master craftsman examination or additional qualifications for professionals.

• Training is broader and may also include retraining or acquiring new skills in a related field.

Is in-company training considered working time?

Whether in-company training counts as working time depends on whether it is ordered by the employer or voluntary.

• Ordered training: If the employer requires an employee to participate in a training session, the time counts as regular working hours. This means that the employee receives their normal salary during this time.

• Voluntary training: If an employee voluntarily attends training to further their career, this usually does not count as working time – unless there is a special provision in the employment or collective agreement.

The timing of the training also plays a role:

• If it takes place during regular working hours, it must generally be considered working time. 

• If it takes place outside of regular working hours, such as in the evening or on weekends, and is not expressly mandated by the employer, it is usually voluntary and does not count as working time.

Many companies now have training agreements that regulate under what conditions training counts as working time and who bears the costs.

When can one undertake training?

In principle, every employee has the right to further their education. However, whether in-company training can be utilized depends on various factors:

1. Employer's Interest

   • If training is directly related to current duties and benefits the company, the employer often supports it – either through release time or cost coverage.

   • In many sectors, particularly in IT and technical fields, regular training is essential to keep up with technological developments.

2. Legal Regulations and Collective Agreements

   • In some federal states, there is educational leave or educational release, where employees are entitled to a certain number of days for training.

   • Collective agreements or company agreements may regulate additional rights to training.

3. Individual Agreement with the Employer

   • Many companies offer training opportunities during employee reviews. Employees should discuss their development wishes early on with their supervisors.

   • For particularly costly training, the employer may require a repayment agreement if the employee leaves the company shortly after the training.

Why is in-company training so important?

The importance of in-company training is steadily increasing – for both employees and employers.

Benefits for Employees

• Higher career opportunities and better salary prospects

• Job security through up-to-date professional knowledge

• Personal development and increased self-confidence

Benefits for Companies

• Higher productivity and innovative strength

• Stronger employee retention and lower turnover

• Competitive advantage through qualified professionals

According to the Bitkom Training Study 2022, 84 percent of working professionals consider training a key criterion when choosing an employer. Companies that invest in this area thus have clear advantages in the competition for talented employees.

Conclusion: A Win-Win Situation for Everyone

In-company training is more than just an additional bonus – it is an investment in the future. Employees benefit from new career opportunities, while companies gain motivated and qualified professionals.

Whether training counts as working time or when it can be undertaken depends heavily on the individual regulations of a company. Open communication with the employer is therefore crucial to make the best use of existing opportunities.