Health promotion for the unemployed: the evaluation of the JOBS Program Germany from the trainers’ perspective

Background The JOBS Program Germany is a labor market integrative and health promotion intervention for unemployed people. This study examines JOBS Program Germany trainers’ view of (1) the theoretical concept of the JOBS Program, (2) its practical implementation in Germany on-site, (3) its acceptance by participants, and (4) the training effects. The study aimed at identifying potential for adaption allowing adjustments to improve the practical implementation and the training effectiveness.

Methods JOBS Program Germany trainers (two for each training) were interviewed via voluntary survey (computer-assisted web interviews) after each training.

Results Fourteen JOBS Program trainings have been conducted and all trainers responded resulting in 28 interviews. 78.5% and 85.7% of the respondents were rather or very satisfied with the theoretical contents and its practical implementation, respectively. Almost all trainers (96.4–100.0%) were satisfied with the on-site coordination, the cooperation with the organizer’s employees, the room equipment, the training room size, and the environmental conditions in the training rooms. In 89.3% of all responses the trainers rated the last training a success. However, the trainers also provided valuable suggestions for further improvement in Germany. This concerns the revision of the training manual, the adjustment of the trainer training and the preparation of participants.

Conclusion Besides the trainers’ positive view on the different dimensions of the training content and implementation, their suggestions can help ensure that many unemployed people in Germany could benefit from a continued regular implementation of the JOBS Program Germany in the future.

Trial Registration German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS), DRKS00022388. Registered on 20 July, 2020.