3 Things the AVGS Voucher Can Be Used For — What Will You Choose?
If you’ve heard about the AVGS voucher (Aktivierungs- und Vermittlungsgutschein), you might be wondering: what exactly can I use it for? I’ll keep it short and sweet — straight forward. The AVGS voucher is designed to help you re-enter the job market or start your own business, and it can be used for three main types of coaching.
In case you don’t know what the AVGS voucher is yet, make sure to read this article first: AVGS Voucher Explained: Unlock Free Coaching and Training.
1. Job Coaching
Job coaching helps you re-enter the job market with confidence. Together with your coach, you’ll work on your CV, applications, and interview preparation. You’ll also learn strategies to navigate the hidden job market and network effectively.
This type of coaching is best for people who already know what type of job they want to do. They’re happy with their career path overall, but want to switch companies, move into a better role, or earn more money. The AVGS voucher is very well suited for this kind of practical support, and many job coaches focus exactly on this.
It’s straightforward, it’s practical — and it works.
2. Career Coaching
Career coaching goes deeper. It’s for people who are not happy with their careers, don’t feel clear about what’s next, or feel stuck and stagnant. Often, this is where a full career reinvention begins — finding yourself again and creating a new direction.
This process is often transformational, requiring more than just updating a CV. It may involve life coaching, mindset coaching, and sometimes even deeper, holistic work.
The AVGS voucher can sometimes be used for career coaching, but here’s the catch: many AVGS-funded coaches focus on practical, job-oriented coaching. If you are in this situation, take your time to find the right coach who truly offers reinvention coaching, not just job search coaching. It is definitely possible to find such coaches who accept AVGS vouchers — but it requires more effort.
Curious? I explain how to choose the right coach for this type of deeper work in my article: What to Consider When Hiring a Career Coach: A Step-by-Step Guide.
3. Gründungscoaching (Founder’s Coaching)
Gründungscoaching is about becoming self-employed — whether that’s starting your own business or working as a freelancer.
In this type of coaching, you’ll develop and test your business idea, write a business plan, and prepare applications for startup support like the Gründungszuschuss or Einstiegsgeld.
From my experience, this is where the AVGS voucher is most powerful. But it’s also important to choose a trained and experienced coach who works 1:1 — not generic group programs.
This coaching is especially suited for people who:
Value freedom, growth, and independence.
Want to positively impact their community.
Dream of being their own boss.
Or want to start a side business while still employed.
And here’s the truth: if you ever find yourself unemployed, still get the voucher! Don’t leave thousands of euros on the table. Back in the day when I first started, I was granted such a voucher myself and received 80 hours of coaching worth €9,000. It was a turning point for me.
Getting the voucher doesn’t mean you have to start a business — but by the end of the process, you’ll know for sure whether it’s the right path for you. That clarity alone is priceless.
Learn more about what founder’s coaching involves here: What is Gründungscoaching? A Simple Guide for Aspiring Entrepreneurs in Germany
One Thing to Keep in Mind
The AVGS voucher only covers coaching and activation measures. If you’re looking for further education, training, or retraining (for example, IT certifications, Umschulung, or language courses), that’s a different voucher called the Bildungsgutschein.
Learn more here: Bildungsgutschein Explained: Your Path to Free Career Training and New Opportunities.
Additional Resources
To help you choose wisely, here are more candid resources I’ve written about AVGS coaching:
Your Next Step
So, what will you choose — job coaching, career coaching, or Gründungscoaching?
If you have any questions about the AVGS voucher, feel free to reach out via WhatsApp or email. And if you’d like to explore your options together, book a free call with me today.
Turn your unemployment into a blessing. Get this voucher, and use it to create your blueprint for what comes next.
Until our next breakthrough!
