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Vocational Training Vouchers for New Immigrants in Rishon LeZion
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 Rishon LeZion
Rishon LeZion is home to a large, active Israeli-Ethiopian community, historically concentrated in the Ramat Eliyahu neighbourhood — originally built as absorption housing and now a long-standing community centre. The neighbourhood is at the heart of urban-renewal efforts, alongside a growing second-generation presence across the city.
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 Rishon LeZion
- Community population
- ~12,000
- Share of city
- ~8%
- Main neighbourhoods
- רמת אליהו, נחלה
- Community services
- תנה בריאות, ביטוח לאומי מקומי
More rights in Rishon LeZion
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FAQ — Rishon LeZion
- How many Ethiopian-Israelis live in Rishon LeZion?
- The Ethiopian-Israeli community in Rishon LeZion numbers approximately ~12,000 residents — around ~8% of the city's population. Main neighbourhoods: רמת אליהו, נחלה.
- How do I claim Vocational Training Vouchers for New Immigrants in Rishon LeZion?
- Contact the Rishon LeZion Employment Bureau — it is required to assist in implementing affirmative-action law. For support: תנה בריאות, ביטוח לאומי מקומי.
- What community support is available in Rishon LeZion for this right?
- In Rishon LeZion, the following organisations can assist with paperwork, translation and entitlement: תנה בריאות, ביטוח לאומי מקומי.
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