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Vocational Training Vouchers for New Immigrants in Ashkelon
The Ministry of Aliyah funds vocational courses through a voucher covering up to 80% of the cost, capped at ILS 7,000. Eligibility runs 10 years from oleh status — 15 years for olim from Ethiopia.
About Ashkelon
Ashkelon absorbed significant waves of Israeli-Ethiopian community members from the 1990s onward and is today a major southern community hub. Community members are spread across multiple neighbourhoods in the city, alongside a growing presence of local businesses, educational institutions and community-led initiatives.
What are vocational training vouchers?
Vocational training vouchers (Shabbim) are a tool of the Ministry of Aliyah and the Ministry of Economy that allows new immigrants to fund accredited vocational courses — without paying out of pocket.
How much is the voucher worth?
- The ministry covers up to 80% of the course cost, capped at ILS 7,000. The ILS 12,000 figure previously stated here is not in the official source and was removed. Eligibility runs 10 years from oleh status — 15 years for olim from Ethiopia
- Can be used within 4 years of aliyah
- Full or partial coverage depending on the course type
Which courses are accredited?
- Construction and infrastructure trades (electrician, plumber, painter)
- Entry-level tech (QA, product management, UX)
- Hairdressing and aesthetics
- Childcare and elderly care
- Driving (heavy vehicle / taxi / bus licence)
Who is eligible?
- A new immigrant who has made aliyah in the last 4 years
- Registered with the Ministry of Aliyah
- No age restriction
How to redeem
- Choose a course from the accredited-course list (gov.il → vocational vouchers)
- Request approval from the Ministry of Aliyah — available online
- Register with the training institution using the voucher approval
- The institution receives payment directly from the Ministry of Aliyah
FAQ
Can the voucher be used for an evening course? Yes — most accredited vocational courses offer evening tracks.
What if the course costs more than the voucher? You can cover the difference through the Marom scholarship, a special fund, or personal payment.
📞 Ministry of Aliyah hotline: *2994
Ethiopian community in Ashkelon
- Community population
- ~9,000
- Share of city
- ~7%
- Main neighbourhoods
- ברנע, שמשון, אפרידר
- Community services
- ENP, NATAL, מרכז קהילתי
More rights in Ashkelon
This right in other cities
FAQ — Ashkelon
- How many Ethiopian-Israelis live in Ashkelon?
- The Ethiopian-Israeli community in Ashkelon numbers approximately ~9,000 residents — around ~7% of the city's population. Main neighbourhoods: ברנע, שמשון, אפרידר.
- How do I claim Vocational Training Vouchers for New Immigrants in Ashkelon?
- Contact the Ashkelon Employment Bureau — it is required to assist in implementing affirmative-action law. For support: ENP, NATAL, מרכז קהילתי.
- What community support is available in Ashkelon for this right?
- In Ashkelon, the following organisations can assist with paperwork, translation and entitlement: ENP, NATAL, מרכז קהילתי.
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