Further training vs. retraining: Which path leads to a better-paid job?

Then you might be asking yourself the question: should I do further training or retraining?
In this article, you'll find out everything you need to know about the differences between further training and retraining and which option can help you get a better-paid job.

Further training:

• Definition: Further training builds on your existing knowledge and skills. It deepens your knowledge in a specific area or provides you with new specialised skills.

• Goal: With further training, you can improve your career opportunities in your current professional field or qualify for new tasks.

• Duration: The duration of further training varies greatly and can range from a few days to several years.

• Costs: You usually have to pay the costs of further training yourself. However, there are also some ways to finance the costs, e.g. through education grants or employer subsidies (e.g. “Bildungsgutschein”).

• Examples: Further training to become a business administrator, language course, IT course

Retraining:

• Definition: A retraining programme enables you to switch to a new career path. You acquire new qualifications that are required for the new profession.

• Goal: A retraining programme allows you to completely reorient yourself and improve your career opportunities in a promising professional field.

• Duration: The duration of a retraining programme is usually between two and three years.

• Costs: The costs of retraining are usually covered by the job centre or employment agency.

• Examples: Retraining as a geriatric nurse, retraining as an office management assistant, retraining as an IT specialist
  
  You can find more information on the topic of retraining in our blog article "How do I get retraining from the job centre?".

What is better paid?

It is impossible to say in general terms whether further training or retraining will lead to a better paid job. It depends on various factors, e.g:

Your current profession: salary levels are generally higher in some professions than in others.

Your qualifications: The higher your qualifications, the higher your salary tends to be.
The industry: Some industries pay higher salaries than others.
The region: Salaries are often higher in large cities and urban centres than in rural areas.

In general, however, it can be said that both further training and retraining can improve your career opportunities and lead to a higher salary.

Conclusion

The decision as to whether you should undergo further training or retraining depends on your individual situation and your career goals. There is no one-size-fits-all answer. Tip: Seek advice from a career counsellor before making a decision. They can help you weigh up your options and make the right decision for you. Are you considering further training in the IT sector? Take a look at our courses, maybe there is something suitable for you?