If you are looking for work in Hamburg and need support with career orientation, applications or your job search, you may come across the Aktivierungs- und Vermittlungsgutschein, commonly known as an AVGS. One of the most common questions is: How do I get an AVGS in Hamburg?
An AVGS may be issued by the Agentur für Arbeit or the Jobcenter if certain conditions are met. It can be used to fund coaching or other measures designed to support professional activation and integration into employment.
It is important to understand that an AVGS is not issued automatically. Your personal situation and the usefulness of the proposed support are normally discussed with your employment adviser or integration specialist.
If you would first like to understand what the voucher is and how it works, read our introduction: What Is an AVGS? Aktivierungs- und Vermittlungsgutschein Explained.
How Do I Get an AVGS in Hamburg?
The first step is usually to speak with the Agentur für Arbeit or your Jobcenter.
I have lived in Hamburg for 36 years and know the city and its opportunities very well. I help people who are looking for work identify a suitable career direction, discover new opportunities and find the right path into employment.
You are welcome to contact me in whichever language you feel most comfortable speaking.
During the appointment, you can explain your current professional situation and describe what kind of support you need.
For example, you may:
- have been looking for work for some time without success,
- want to improve your application documents,
- need support preparing for job interviews,
- be unsure which professional direction is right for you,
- want to return to work after a longer period of unemployment,
- need help developing a new career direction.
If your adviser considers coaching or another suitable measure useful for improving your employment prospects, an AVGS may be issued.
Who Can Receive an AVGS?
An AVGS may be relevant for people who are supported by the Agentur für Arbeit or the Jobcenter and need assistance with professional integration.
The individual situation is always important.
Factors that may be considered include:
- the duration of unemployment,
- previous job-search activities,
- professional qualifications,
- individual barriers to employment,
- language skills,
- professional goals and perspectives.
An AVGS is generally a discretionary form of support. This means that it is not automatically granted to every person who requests one.
If you are supported by the Jobcenter, you can also read: How to Get an AVGS from the Jobcenter.
What Should I Say During the Appointment?
It can be useful to prepare for the conversation in advance.
Instead of simply saying that you would like coaching, try to explain which difficulties you are currently experiencing.
For example:
- “I send applications but receive very few responses.”
- “I am unsure which professional direction is realistic for me.”
- “My application documents are no longer up to date.”
- “I need support preparing for job interviews.”
- “I have not worked for some time and I am unsure how to return to employment.”
The more clearly you describe your situation, the easier it is for your adviser to understand what kind of support may be appropriate.
Which Documents Should I Prepare?
Several documents can be useful during the appointment.
These may include:
- an up-to-date CV,
- previous applications,
- certificates and references,
- proof of professional qualifications,
- an overview of previous job applications.
If your documents still need improvement, read: How to Improve Your Application Documents.
What Happens After I Receive an AVGS?
Once you have received an AVGS, you can look for a suitable coaching programme or measure.
The voucher normally contains certain conditions, such as:
- the objective of the measure,
- the maximum duration,
- the validity period,
- the geographical area in which the measure may take place.
These conditions are important because not every coaching programme automatically matches every AVGS.
A suitable provider therefore checks whether the programme corresponds to the requirements written on your voucher.
How Do I Find a Suitable Provider in Hamburg?
After receiving your AVGS, you can search for an appropriate coaching programme or professional support measure.
You should not only look at the name of the programme.
It can be useful to ask:
- Is the coaching individual or group-based?
- Which topics are covered?
- How often do appointments take place?
- Does the programme match my professional goal?
- Can the coaching be adapted to my individual situation?
If you would like to know how individual coaching may work in practice, read: Individual Coaching with AVGS.
What Happens After I Choose a Programme?
Once you have found a suitable programme, the provider checks whether your AVGS matches the measure.
If participation is possible, you will usually receive the documents required for the next step.
You then contact your adviser at the Agentur für Arbeit or Jobcenter again.
The responsible office checks whether the programme supports your professional integration and whether the conditions of the AVGS are fulfilled.
If the measure is approved, you receive confirmation and can begin according to the agreed conditions.
It is important not to start the programme before the necessary approval has been completed.
Do I Have to Pay for AVGS Coaching Myself?
If the measure has been approved before it begins, the cost of the approved programme is normally covered.
Depending on the individual case, additional costs such as travel expenses or childcare may also be considered.
These additional costs should always be clarified in advance.
For more information, read: How Much Does AVGS Coaching Cost?.
Can I Apply for an AVGS Online?
The AVGS is normally discussed as part of the counselling process with your responsible employment adviser.
Some administrative steps may also be available digitally, depending on the responsible office and your individual case.
However, communication with the Jobcenter or Agentur für Arbeit remains an important part of the process.
What Is the Difference Between the Jobcenter and the Agentur für Arbeit?
Whether the Jobcenter or the Agentur für Arbeit is responsible depends on your individual situation and which institution is currently supporting you.
If you are registered with the Agentur für Arbeit, your adviser there is normally responsible for discussing possible support.
If you are supported by the Jobcenter, the consultation and assessment usually take place there.
Personal one-to-one coaching
We work individually on your professional situation, your goals and the next practical steps.
Support with your job search
We support you with job search, application documents and preparation for job interviews.
AVGS funding for your coaching
With an AVGS, individual coaching may be fully funded by the Jobcenter or Agentur für Arbeit.
Personal support at every step
From the first consultation to your next professional steps, you have a personal contact person.
More information can be found here: AVGS and the Agentur für Arbeit.
Which Types of Coaching Can Be Funded with an AVGS?
AVGS-funded measures can have different professional objectives.
Possible areas may include:
- career orientation,
- application training,
- improving CVs and cover letters,
- preparing for job interviews,
- support with the job search,
- strengthening professional skills,
- preparing for a career change.
The exact content depends on the individual AVGS and the approved measure.
You can find more information here: AVGS Coaching in Hamburg.
Is Individual Coaching or Group Coaching Better?
This depends on your personal situation and goals.
Individual coaching makes it possible to focus closely on your own questions, professional experience and objectives.
Group coaching may be useful when exchange with other participants, shared learning and practical exercises are important.
If you would like to compare both formats, read: Individual Coaching or Group Coaching?.
What Can I Do If My AVGS Is Not Approved?
If an AVGS is not approved, this does not necessarily mean that no professional support is available.
You can ask your adviser which other options may be appropriate in your situation.
It may also be possible to discuss another measure, professional qualification or type of support.
It is useful to explain clearly which problem you want to solve and which professional goal you are working towards.
How Can AVGS Coaching Support My Job Search?
Coaching can help you analyse your professional situation in a more structured way.
Depending on your needs, the coaching may focus on:
- defining realistic professional goals,
- finding suitable vacancies,
- improving application documents,
- preparing for interviews,
- presenting your skills and experience more effectively,
- developing a systematic job-search strategy.
If you are preparing for the job market in Hamburg, you may also find this article useful: Finding a Job in Hamburg.
Can AVGS Coaching Help with Career Change?
Yes. Coaching does not always focus only on finding the next available job as quickly as possible.
Sometimes the first question is which professional direction actually makes sense.
Coaching can help analyse previous experience, skills, interests and realistic professional opportunities.
How Long Is an AVGS Valid?
The validity period is stated directly on the voucher.
After receiving an AVGS, it is therefore advisable to start looking for a suitable measure without waiting too long.
If the voucher expires, you should contact your adviser again and discuss the next steps.
How Should I Prepare for the Appointment?
Good preparation can make the conversation with the Jobcenter or Agentur für Arbeit clearer and more focused.
Before the appointment, consider the following questions:
- What is currently my biggest professional difficulty?
- What have I already tried?
- What has not worked so far?
- What kind of support do I need?
- What professional goal do I want to achieve?
You do not need to prepare perfect answers.
The important point is to explain clearly why professional coaching could help improve your current situation.
Conclusion: How Do I Get an AVGS in Hamburg?
If you would like to receive an AVGS in Hamburg, the first step is normally a conversation with your adviser at the Agentur für Arbeit or Jobcenter.
Your situation is assessed and it is considered whether a funded measure could support your professional integration.
If an AVGS is issued, you can look for a suitable programme. The provider checks whether the programme matches the voucher, and the responsible office then completes the approval process.
Do not start the programme until the necessary approval has been completed.
Good preparation, a clear description of your professional situation and a suitable coaching programme can make the entire process easier to understand and manage.
Would you like to know what support may be available to you?
Simply complete the form. We will contact you personally, discuss your situation and explain which coaching, AVGS or professional support options may be suitable for you.