Abstract

We want to analyze the impact of training programs (Maßnahme) for unemployed job-seekers and their commuting patterns in Germany. How such active labor market programs effect employment outcomes is often analyzed in empirical studies. In particular, Kruppe and Lang (2018) examined retraining for unemployed low-skilled job-seekers in Germany. They find that retraining strongly increase the employment probability of participants, especially women. Moreover, Schneider und Uhlendorff (2006) investigate the impact of the innovations of the Hartz reform regarding the vocational training. In particular, they compare the impact of participation of the training program before and after the reform. They find positive employment effects even before the reform. Whereby the effect is higher for men than women. However, these studies only analyzed the impact of participation in training programs on employment or wages. Our aim therefore is to investigate the impact of such training programs, especially on the commuting distance and commuting time on female unemployed job seekers: Does participation in training programs reduce the commutes for women? The idea is that vocational training could affect commuting time and commuting distance as participants improve qualification and could thus find a job closer to their place of living. We focus especially on women, as these group is potentially restricted by commuting, e. g. due to household and childcare. The aim of this study is therefore, to determine the causal effect of training on the commuting time (is there any effect and, how strong is the effect).