Retraining courses in the Czech Republic: what, where, and how much?

Retraining courses allow both employees and entrepreneurs to expand or acquire knowledge and skills. There are many accredited courses in the Czech Republic. 

A lot of attention is currently being paid to the problem of unemployment. Retraining courses is one of the ways to combat it. That’s why the employment service not only helps with choosing courses but also pays for them.

What is retraining?

According to the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection, retraining means acquiring a new qualification and improving, expanding, or deepening an existing qualification, including its maintenance or extension.

Retraining is also considered to be the acquisition of a qualification for employment by an individual who has not yet acquired any qualification. When determining the content and scope of retraining, they proceed from the previous qualification, state of health, abilities, and experience of the individual subject to retraining in the form of acquiring new theoretical and practical skills within the framework of additional professional education (§108, paragraph 1 of Law No. 435/2004 on Employment).

How to choose a retraining course in the Czech Republic?

Answers to the following questions can serve as a guide when choosing a course or training:

What do I expect from the course? (For example: answers to current questions related to changes in taxes, legislation, etc. Or vice versa: retraining, full-fledged education in a specialty, including obtaining an academic degree, an international certificate, etc.)

Do I want to attend classes or study online?

Do I want to study in Czech or a foreign language? (Please note that the offer of quality courses in Czech will be very limited.)

How long do I want to study? (hours, days, weeks, months, and years)

How much money do I need to invest in education?

According to the recruitment agency ARWA Personaldienstleistungen, when choosing a retraining course, several factors should be considered:

• Course relevance to your career goal: Choose a course that will give you the skills you need for the field you want to work in.
  
• Check the reputation of the course provider and its accreditation status to determine the quality of the educational institution.
  
• Flexibility: If you need to combine your studies with your work or personal life, look for courses that offer evening or weekend classes or online options.
  
• Cost: Consider your budget and see if financial assistance or compensation from the employment service is available.

Who Can Provide Retraining in the Czech Republic?

To offer retraining courses in the Czech Republic, an institution must have specific accreditation. This accreditation is granted by the Ministry of Education or another relevant government body. The goal is to ensure that retraining programs meet certain quality standards.

Essentially, only officially recognized institutions can provide retraining courses:

• Institutions with an accredited educational program granted by the Ministry of Education;
  
• Institutions with an accredited educational program granted by a special legal regulation;
  
• Schools in the field of education registered in the register of schools and school institutions;
  
• Universities with an accredited educational program;
  
• Institutions with an educational program in accordance with a special legal regulation ((e.g. the Ministry of Education and Culture has been granted accreditation to conduct preparatory courses for the final exam, but the final exam is carried out in accordance with the legal regulation; in the case of Decree No. 77/1965 Coll., the Ministry of Education and Culture is not accredited and all retraining is carried out in accordance with the law).

The Ministry of Education’s website has a list of accredited retraining programs. Interested people can find out about the educational institution, the accreditation it holds, the work activity details, the admission requirements, the teaching hours, and whether the course will lead to a professional qualification.

Retraining Courses Through the Employment Service

In the Czech Republic, you can apply for retraining courses through your local employment office. The available courses and their duration depend on individual needs and the current job market.

To qualify for retraining, you must

• Register at the employment office as unemployed or job-seeking.
• Meet the specific entry requirements for the chosen course.
• Be physically able to complete the training and acquire new skills.
• Demonstrate the need for retraining due to a shortage of suitable job opportunities.
• Have a realistic chance of finding employment after completing the retraining.

The employment office website provides detailed information about available retraining courses.

Important Note: If you plan to start a business after retraining, check the specific requirements for your chosen field. You may need additional qualifications or licenses beyond the retraining course. Consult the Professional Activities Act (Act No. 455/1991) or a trade office for detailed information.

On-the-job Retraining: A Growing Trend

More and more companies are taking the initiative to train their own employees. For instance, Alma Career believes that retraining isn’t just a fad; it’s a necessity. It helps companies fill vacancies, retain valuable employees, and adapt to the rapidly changing technological landscape.

Engel strojírenská is a prime example. To ensure a steady supply of skilled welders, they established an in-house welding school. Even if you lack prior experience or formal education, you can enroll and learn a new trade.

How does it work?

• Employee Initiative: Often, employees themselves express a desire to change their roles.
• Interviews: The company conducts interviews to assess the candidate’s motivation and provide details about the training program.
• Training: Training takes place in specialized classrooms under the guidance of experienced instructors.
• Practical Application: After training, employees apply their new skills in a real-world production environment with the support of mentors.

Benefits of this approach:

• Personalized Learning: The company tailors the training to meet the individual needs of each employee.
• Rapid Skill Application: New skills are immediately put into practice.
• Retention of Talent: The company motivates employees to stay and grow within the organization.

On-the-job retraining is a win-win situation for both employees and companies. It enhances employee skills, fosters adaptability to new technologies, and strengthens the overall team.

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