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Vocational Training Vouchers for New Immigrants in Sderot
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 Sderot
Sderot, located adjacent to the Gaza border, hosts a long-established Israeli-Ethiopian community that has dealt with security challenges alongside economic hardship. The community has demonstrated remarkable resilience, and development projects in the city offer new housing opportunities.
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 Sderot
- Community population
- ~7,000
- Share of city
- ~35%
- Main neighbourhoods
- שכ' ב', שכ' ג'
- Community services
- ENP, NATAL, ביה"ס קהילתי
More rights in Sderot
This right in other cities
FAQ — Sderot
- How many Ethiopian-Israelis live in Sderot?
- The Ethiopian-Israeli community in Sderot numbers approximately ~7,000 residents — around ~35% of the city's population. Main neighbourhoods: שכ' ב', שכ' ג'.
- How do I claim Vocational Training Vouchers for New Immigrants in Sderot?
- Contact the Sderot Employment Bureau — it is required to assist in implementing affirmative-action law. For support: ENP, NATAL, ביה"ס קהילתי.
- What community support is available in Sderot for this right?
- In Sderot, the following organisations can assist with paperwork, translation and entitlement: ENP, NATAL, ביה"ס קהילתי.
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