Retraining at GFN

Get off to a flying start with subsidized retraining.

  • Trainer-led IT & commercial retraining (IHK)
  • For jobseekers & people at risk of unemployment
  • Implementation in presence, online & hybrid
To the retraining courses
Three people working together on computers in the training room.

IT retraining & commercial retraining

  • Retraining

    Retraining as an IT specialist in application development (IHK)

    • 21-24 months
    • Full-time
    • IHK vocational qualification
    • IT certificates in demand
    • Develop & optimize software solutions
    For retraining

  • Retraining

    Retraining as an IT specialist in system integration (IHK)

    • 21-24 months
    • Full-time
    • IHK vocational qualification
    • IT certificates in demand
    • Plan & implement IT infrastructures
    For retraining

  • Retraining

    IT systems management assistant (IHK)

    • 21-24 months
    • Full-time
    • IHK vocational qualification
    • IT certificates in demand
    • Supervise IT projects & advise customers
    For retraining

  • Retraining

    Office management assistant (IHK)

    • 21-24 months
    • Full-time
    • IHK vocational qualification
    • Certificates in demand
    • Work digitally & design office processes
    For retraining

  • Are you looking for a specific retraining program?

    Our course finder will help you – quickly and easily

    To the course finder

AI competence for the job – exclusively for GFN participants

From November 2025, all participants will have access to 3 free self-study courses that provide practical AI knowledge – from the basics to effective prompting and the practical application of Microsoft Copilot. A GFN certificate will be issued upon completion of each module.

Those who successfully complete all 3 modules, including the exam, receive the AI driver’s license – a meaningful proof of competence for job applications and everyday professional life. From January 2026, retrainees will also receive a personal co-pilot license for the duration of their qualification, including an introduction to Microsoft 365.

Your advantage with us: You will learn how to use artificial intelligence in a targeted manner in your day-to-day work – and thus impress both in the application process and on the job.

This is how we get you ahead

100% eligiblerderbar

Recognized IHK vocational qualification

To the job with the market leader 

Job guarantee

Get & keep your laptop 

With retraining in IT

In the course of the digital transformation, the demand for skilled workers is increasing. But these are rare: according to the digital association Bitkom, there is currently a shortage of over 100,000 IT specialists in Germany. Newcomers and career changers in the growth sector of IT therefore have the best opportunities.

If you want to gain a foothold in the IT industry, you can retrain with us to become an IT specialist - and obtain a recognized IHK professional qualification . You will receive very practical training and acquire a broad range of specialist knowledge so that you can be used in a variety of ways later on. You can find out more about the requirements, learning content, the process and specializations on our Information Technology page.

You don't want to go that deep technically? Then you can also retrain as an IT systems management assistant and then start your career as a specialist with combined IT and business management skills. If you prefer to focus on organizational and administrative activities, you have the option of retraining as an office management assistant - with a focus on the latest software solutions and digital skills.

A finger taps the

Retraining free of charge - with 100% further training funding

GFN and our entire range of courses are certified in accordance with AZAV (Accreditation and Approval Ordinance for Employment Promotion). Your advantage: With a subsidy such as the education voucher or AVGS, you can take part in our retraining, further training and coaching courses free of charge.

This saves you the full cost of the course as well as any additional costs for travel or childcare. If you receive unemployment benefit (ALG 1) and/or citizen's allowance, as a retrainee you also benefit from €150 per month in further training allowance.

Due to the shortage of skilled workers in IT, you have a very good chance of having your costs covered if you retrain. And that's not all: the state supports IHK retraining with up to 2,500 euros in further training premiums. You can find information on further training funding on our funding opportunitiespage - feel free to take a look.

Retraining & coaching: Optimal support on the job

If you are still unsure about your career goals or need support with your next steps towards the job market, a subsidized AVGS coaching can help you.

Coaching can be useful before, during or even after your retraining. With us, you get everything from a single source - coaching and professional qualification.

Whether coaching for exam nerves, job application coaching or coaching on the job - you will receive the best possible support at all times.

You can see a coachee with a laptop on her lap and a coach on the laptop.

When does retraining make sense?

There are many personal reasons for retraining. In order for it to be financed by a funding agency such as the Federal Employment Agency and for you to be able to retrain free of charge, you should have at least one of the following reasons:

  • Good job opportunities

    You have been unemployed for some time and there is a good chance that you will quickly find a job again through retraining.

  • Profession with a future wanted

    Your original profession is hardly in demand any more - retraining helps to prevent unemployment and to move securely into the future.

  • Returning to work after a break

    You've taken a longer break or worked in a completely different field - and want to get a fresh start in your career.

  • Outdated training

    The profession you learned no longer exists or has changed significantly, for example due to digitalization or new standards.

  • Health problems

    You can no longer do your current job for health reasons - retraining opens up new prospects.

Get started in the digital world of work in 4 simple steps.

  • 1. arrange a consultation appointment

    Give us a call or simply book your desired date online.

  • 2. conduct a consultation

    In person, by phone or via video chat - you will receive comprehensive advice.

  • 3. receive funding

    Apply for funding at the employment agency or job center.

  • 4. start course

    Let's go - you complete your sponsored course at GFN.

Advice that really helps - see for yourself.
Feel free to call me, I will advise you and help you further.

Call directly

Mon-Fri 8-19 o'clock

Feel free to call me, I will advise you and help you further.
06221 77 333 77

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Top-rated advice:

What our participants say.

The retraining was an all-round positive experience. The internship went very well and I was offered a permanent position straight after my final exam.

Denis Eck

IT specialist for system integration

Do you have questions about your retraining? We will be happy to answer them.

First things first: both retraining and apprenticeships provide you with a recognized professional qualification.

You generally do an apprenticeship straight after leaving school to start your career. The training takes place either at school or in a company and lasts two to three and a half years, depending on the training occupation.

Retraining , on the other hand, usually only becomes interesting for you later - for example, if you have already gained professional experience but do not yet have a qualification in this profession. Retraining is generally shorter than regular training.

You will undergo retraining either in a school or in a company, but you also have the option of completing it inter-company with an approved training provider such as GFN. You will take your final examination at the chamber responsible for your region - for example the Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK).

The employment agency or job center can cover the costs of your retraining - but only if certain conditions are met. It is important that you apply for retraining in advance and seek advice.

The costs can be covered if:

  • You are unemployed or looking for work and have better chances on the job market as a result of the retraining.
  • You can no longer work in the profession you have learned, e.g. for health reasons or because there are hardly any jobs left in your profession.
  • You do not have a recognized professional qualification, but have worked for at least 3 years.
  • You have already learned a profession but have not practiced it for more than 4 years.

If the funding is approved, the employment agency or job center will take over, for example:

  • the course costs,
  • Travel costs,
  • Costs for learning materials,
  • Childcare or accommodation costs, if applicable

Tip: Get free, no-obligation advice from our experts. We will help you find the right retraining course and support you on the path to funding from the Federal Employment Agency or the Jobcenter.

If you want to enter the IT sector, retraining is a good way to do so - even without any previous experience. The most important thing is your motivation and willingness to keep learning.

This is what you should bring with you to get off to a good start in IT retraining:

  • Interest in technology and digital topics - e.g. computers, software, networks or programming.
  • Logical thinking - many IT tasks require structured and problem-solving thinking.
  • Basic PC skills - you should be able to use a computer confidently.
  • Willingness to learn - the IT world is constantly evolving and lifelong learning is part of it.
  • Patience and perseverance - especially at the beginning it can be challenging to understand new technical terms and concepts.
  • Teamwork and strong communication skills - many IT professions require collaboration with colleagues or customers.
  • Good knowledge of German - for teaching and later professional practice.
  • Knowledge of English is helpful, as many technical terms and documentation are in English.

Good to know: You don't need to be a math genius. If you really do lack previous knowledge, you can catch up quickly and easily in our preparation courses - and start your retraining with confidence.

Retraining courses at GFN are full-time and generally last between 21 and 24 months. This time includes both theoretical instruction and practical phases such as the internship in a company lasting several months.

The exact duration may vary slightly depending on the retraining occupation and location. The regulations of the Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK) responsible for you are decisive.

Yes, at GFN you usually complete your retraining online. The lessons take place live in a virtual room, with direct contact with the lecturer and other participants. GFN provides you with all the necessary technical equipment, including a laptop and software.

As this is a state-subsidized retraining course, certain requirements apply - in particular from your regional Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK). The employment agency or job center wants to ensure that you receive the best possible support and achieve your retraining goal.

This is why the retraining usually takes place online with attendance components. This means that you learn partly from home and partly on site at the GFN training center. The exact requirements depend on the IHK responsible for you. In a free consultation, we will clarify together how your retraining can proceed and how we can support you - right through to successful completion.

GFN Expert Talk: Artificial Intelligence (AI)

The Expert Talk "AI - Artificial Intelligence" is about how AI is drastically changing the world of work and which skills will be in demand in the future. Our guest is AI expert Renate Wittmann. She explains the changes, but also the opportunities, that AI will bring for the job world of tomorrow.

Part 1 explains which GFN training courses will help you with AI - e.g. with your retraining. As a participant, you will receive your personal co-pilot license and can complete the free KI self-study course including certificate.

If you wish, you can also watch part 2 of the video automatically. There you will find out how you can benefit from learning from AI and how you can get off to a successful start with AI.

Take a look now and find out in just a few minutes how you can get your career off to a flying start with KI and GFN.

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Amadeus Fire AG has made a commitment to its subsidiary GFN GmbH to offer you a permanent employment contract as part of the job guarantee. After successfully completing the qualification, you will receive a permanent employment contract as a temporary employee at Amadeus Fire AG, provided you meet the requirements.

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