Before you decide on a Continuing Education with an Education Voucher If you’re deciding whether to take the plunge, there’s one thing you want to know: What’s it really like—and is it worth it? The most honest answer doesn’t come from us, but from the people who’ve done it. At StackFuel, every continuing education course is eligible for funding through the education voucher. So every Education Voucher experience you read here is the experience of a subsidized training program. In this article, real graduates share their stories: about getting started without prior knowledge, learning as part of their daily routine, and the path to a new job.
Beatrix's Journey: From the Telefónica Store to Data Engineer
Beatrix Bauer worked at a Telefónica store for 22 years, selling cell phone plans. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she took the time to rethink her professional future. She became interested in data—and in how it could be used to make predictions. She describes her starting point bluntly: a complete beginner with no prior knowledge of programming.
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Using the education voucher, she paid for the SQL course, the data analyst training program, and finally the Data Scientist Training Program at StackFuel. Today, she works as a junior financial data engineer—at the same company, but in a completely new role. She now analyzes the processes surrounding cell phone contracts—which she used to experience from one side as a store agent—from the other side.
With StackFuel, I was able to learn at a time that suited me, at my own pace, and in a place where I felt comfortable.
- Beatrix Bauer - Junior Financial Data Engineer - Telefónica Germany - Data Scientist Training Program
Looking back, what helped her the most was the self-directed learning approach: being able to decide flexibly when and where to study, at her own pace, from home. Python was the „basic toolkit“ for this—without that knowledge, the new job wouldn’t have been possible. Her message to anyone who’s hesitating: „Have confidence in your abilities, don’t let setbacks discourage you, and dare to break new ground.“
What Surprised Graduates the Most
The most common concern before starting is almost always the same: „Is my prior knowledge sufficient?“ The experiences of graduates paint a clear picture here—the hands-on curriculum is designed to accommodate even beginners.
I especially liked the well-structured curriculum and the clearly presented content. Even without any prior knowledge, I now feel confident using Python for data analysis.
- Lisa Ambrosi de Magistris Verzier - Data Analyst - Interone - Data Analyst Training Program
One aspect that comes up time and again is the practical relevance—the feeling of having gained real-world experience even before the first day on the job.
I was particularly excited about the hands-on projects. It was as if I had already gained practical experience before my first day on the job.
— Liudmila Litger · Data Analyst · Aviv Group (HomeToGo) · Data Analyst Training Program
For many people, that’s exactly what pays off when they’re starting their careers—continuing education as concrete preparation for the new job, not just abstract theory.
Working extensively with key Python libraries and learning the concepts and mathematical fundamentals covered in the course was excellent preparation for my new job!
— Marco Fischer · Data Scientist · mexxon Group · Data Scientist Training Program
How Continuing Education with an Education Voucher Works
Beyond the course material itself, three things shape the experience: the flexible learning format, guidance from instructors and peer groups, and support with job searches. Collaborative learning, in particular, is often described as a key source of motivation.
What I enjoyed most were the regular group sessions with the participants and tutors. They were very engaging and helpful, both for learning and for staying motivated.
— Farbod Khiawi · Client Operations Consultant · AON · Data Scientist Training Program
When talking about their path to a job, many people mention two things: the self-confidence they’ve gained and the certificates as verifiable proof of their skills.
The focus on industry-relevant skills gave me the confidence and know-how I needed for my job search.
— Dr. Pinar Toker · Data Scientist · Eraneos Analytics · Data Scientist Training Program
Good to know: There is no legal entitlement to the education voucher—approval is a case-by-case decision by the Employment Agency. Just like you Increase your chances, as you'll read in our guide. However, the experience of graduates shows that those who take the plunge rarely regret it.
What the experiences with education vouchers have in common
As varied as their paths may be—from store agent to data engineer, from Career Change to Data Analyst – A common thread runs through all these stories: No one needed any prior technical knowledge to get started. All that was required was an interest in working with data and a willingness to build up their skills step by step.
This is the most honest lesson to be learned from these experiences: Continuing education with a training voucher isn’t a sure thing, nor is it a guarantee of landing your dream job overnight. But it is a realistic, financially supported path to a high-demand profession—and for the people on this page, it was the path that worked. Or, in Beatrix’s words: Dare to break new ground; be curious, and stay curious.
Frequently asked questions
What has been the experience with the education voucher?
Mostly positive. At StackFuel, all training programs are eligible for funding through the education voucher; graduates report hands-on projects, flexible learning at their own pace, and a clear path to getting started even without prior knowledge.
Is it worth pursuing continuing education with an education voucher?
For most people who have a clear career plan, yes—the course fees are fully covered, and the training leads to a profession that’s in high demand. It’s not a guarantee of a job afterward, but it is a realistic, financially supported path to getting there.
How does continuing education with an education voucher work?
Flexible and guided: Learn at your own pace, often from anywhere, with group sessions, instructors, and hands-on projects. At StackFuel, you also get support from the Career Service in your job search.
Share Your Own Experience
The stories on this page all began in the same way: with a conversation. If you want to know whether a subsidized continuing education program is right for your situation, Let's take a look at this together during a free consultation – with no obligation and no pressure. We’ll explain how the education voucher works in our Guide to the Education Voucher.
StackFuel has been AZAV-certified since 2020; all training programs are 100% eligible for funding through the education voucher under the % program. Over 8,000 graduates have completed continuing education in the fields of data and AI with us, with a completion rate of 93 percent.


