The practice-integrated training program (PiA) can continue: The Bremen Senate has secured funding for up to 75 new training positions for early childhood educators. This allows the Senator for Children and Education to continue the "Practice-Integrated Training for Early Childhood Educators" program, or PiA 8.0 for short, from the 2025/26 school year.
PiA 8.0 as a building block against the shortage of skilled workers
"The practice-integrated training program PiA is one of many building blocks to stop the shortage of skilled workers in our daycare centers," said Senator for Children and Education, Sascha Karolin Aulepp. "We use different formats to reach different people. They are all very welcome in our daycare centers," she added.
The pilot project started in 2018
PiA is a pilot project launched in 2018 and implemented at the Institute for Vocational and Social Pedagogy (ibs) in Bremen. This continuing education program, which is paid with social security contributions, was established by the Senator for Children and Education with the aim of increasing the number of state-certified early childhood educators by reaching out to new target groups. The target group was defined as individuals with more life experience (over 25 years of age) who were already employed and paying into the social security system, and for whom the paid PiA program does not result in any gap in contributions.
Education department finances new course
The Senator for Children and Education is funding the new PiA 8.0 training program, which will have up to 75 students. The total cost over the three years of training amounts to €7.23 million if all 75 places are filled. As the PiA model continues, the Senator for Children and Education will continue to evaluate the actual number of applications and placements. Since the PiA program's launch in 2018, nearly 200 people have completed the PiA training as state-certified early childhood educators.
The application process starts in March
In the state of Bremen, approximately 2,500 people are currently enrolled in various social pedagogy training and professional development programs. Of these, 180 are currently participating in the PiA program across all program cycles. The application process for the practice-integrated training at the Institute for Vocational and Social Pedagogy (ibs) is scheduled to begin in March 2025. Nearly all childcare providers in Bremen will offer practical placements for PiA trainees starting in the 2025/26 school year.
Those interested can find information on requirements, training paths and the application process at erzieherin-bremen.de or by calling (0421) 49156713.
Source: Press Office of the Senate of the Free Hanseatic City of Bremen, Senator for Children and Education, Press Release , March 12, 2025