Abstract

Low skilled workers have a particularly high risk to become unemployed and often face difficulties in finding a new job. Retraining is intended for people without a vocational degree or for those who are not able to work in their learnt profession anymore. Retraining programs can improve labour market prospects as participants can obtain a new vocational degree.
In the context of an increasing demand for skilled labour and after a minimum number of participants in 2005, retraining has become increasingly important again. In this project we analyse the labour market effects of retraining after the Hartz Reforms and take into account potential differences between different occupations. As part of the project we estimate effects of retraining on (un)employment and wages. Moreover, we also look at the quality of the job match.