Further training and retraining of people undergoing rehabilitation in eastern Germany : the situation during occupational rehabilitation and the prospects

Abstract

"In eastern Germany the western German rehabilitation and vocational training systems were adopted. This process is not taking place without adjustment problems. Thus for example the possibilities for further training and retraining in the framework of occupational rehabilitation continue to be utilised considerably less frequently. In this article the reasons for this adjustment problem are shown based on the results of statistical analyses and a qualitative survey among specialists in occupational rehabilitation; these reasons are the more limited offer of occupational rehabilitation opportunities in eastern Germany, a different group of people (e.g. age structure), the limitation of the offer of further training and retraining resulting from the labour market situation and the changes in the support conditions, the mobility behaviour of those undergoing rehabilitation in eastern Germany as well as the hindrances in the rehabilitation procedure itself. The results of a representative survey of people undergoing rehabilitation who participated in further training or retraining measures as a part of their occupational rehabilitation provide information concerning their situation during the occupational rehabilitation, for example regarding the course and duration of the counselling and decision process. In most cases it took up to a year before it was possible to begin with the training course; this period was as long as two years for a considerable number of those interviewed (40%). The majority of those interviewed wish to have more options open to them in the decision for a certain training course. Most of those interviewed were satisfied with the implementation of the further training or retraining course. For a large number of those in rehabilitation, various problems and conflicts, especially the uncertain prospects of employment, were a burden during the training course. Most of those interviewed judged their prospects of employment following the course of further training or retraining ambivalently.The empirical findings obtained altogether in the research project and the current rehabilitation-policy debate surrounding the further development of occupational rehabilitation make up the background for proposals for innovative design of offers of further training and retraining for those undergoing rehabilitation." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

Cite article

Podeszfa, H. (1997): Fortbildung und Umschulung von Rehabilitanden und Rehabilitandinnen in Ostdeutschland. Situation während der beruflichen Rehabilitation und Perspektiven. In: Mitteilungen aus der Arbeitsmarkt- und Berufsforschung, Vol. 30, No. 2, p. 269-282.