Co-Invest means that you contribute a portion of your personal time for specific training aspects required to complete the course.

These days, continuous learning is an important factor in the fast-changing world of work. It is important for the company to ensure competitiveness, but also for members of the workforce to maintain or expand their own employability.

Qualification is in the interest of all parties involved and must therefore also be recognized as a shared responsibility.

The Co-Invest agreement applies to all Continental staff with the exception of executive employees within the terms of Article 5 (3) German Works Constitution Act (BetrVG). It does not apply to trainees, interns, work placement students, temporary workers and marginal part-time employees.

Co-Invest is only required for transformational qualifications agreed with the Works Council. These are subject areas that are particularly important for digital transformation as well as Industry 4.0 and thus enhance the workforce’s employability. These subject areas are regularly reviewed by a clearing house (consisting of two representatives from the Group Works Council and two representatives from HR) and changed as necessary. As a result, each measure has the same Co-Invest share throughout the Group.

The defined training courses include a Co-Invest contribution of at least 10% to a maximum 50% of the total time of the relevant course. This depends on the subject matter (decided in clearing > important for transformation) as well as the level of training (basic, advanced or expert level).

Your Co-Invest can take the form of time. Possibilities include time credits/overtime, weekends, vacation, or educational leave (if the staff member is eligible). 

If you contribute your personal time as part of qualification, the total amount of Co-Invest for measures that do not lead to certification is limited to 10 days per year.

Co-Invest is documented in mySuccess@Continental, Continental’s global HR system, under Training (Learning Management Solution). When training is booked with Co-Invest in the LMS, it is automatically stored. If training with Co-Invest is carried out that was not booked in the LMS, staff with access to mySucess can document their own training or the HR Business Partner can record it on behalf of staff members.

If you undertake training with Co-Invest during your working hours, you may have to enter this time in your local time recording system. This depends on which time recording system and working time model applies to you. The best way to find out is to contact your local HR department.

As a member of Continental staff, you will find further information on Co-Invest and other topics on the Continental internal page for the local qualification process.

The “Gesetz zur Stärkung der Chancen für Qualifizierung und für mehr Schutz in der Arbeitslosenversicherung” (Law for Better Training Opportunities and Greater Protection in Unemployment Insurance, Qualification Opportunities Act) has been in force since January 1, 2019 and was amended by the “Work-of-Tomorrow Act” on May 29, 2020. It is designed to enable the German government to pursue a preventive labor market policy in view of the new challenges posed by digital and demographic change. The aim is to adapt and further develop skills among staff members in the context of digital structural change. For companies, one of the advantages it offers is that further training costs for employees can be covered and that wage subsidies can also be granted.

Depending on the transformation qualification, a wage subsidy of up to 40% and a course cost subsidy of up to 30% are possible. You will find more detailed information and entry requirements in the profile for the relevant qualification.

Funding is generally available for developing skills in areas related to technological change and Industry 4.0. You can be eligible for funding regardless of age and qualification, but you must have obtained your professional qualification at least 4 years ago. A qualification can be funded if it comprises at least 120 teaching units (12 days) (1 teaching unit = 45 minutes).