Frequently asked questions about our Workshop and Trainings programs
A: General Questions
-
SHIFT Trainings are practice-oriented professional development programs focused
on digital and circular fashion production using industrial knitting technology.
The workshops provide technical know-how on topics such as:
knitwear design
materials and machine knowledge
knitwear programming
The trainings take place at VORN – The Berlin Fashion Hub, within the SHIFT Microfactory, and are designed for designers, developers, product managers, and entrepreneurs in the fashion and textile industry.
Further information:
-
The workshops are designed for:
designers and product developers
employees of fashion and textile companies
start-ups and innovators
self-employed professionals and freelancers in the fashion sector
The content is particularly relevant for professionals working in areas such as:
fashion design
knitwear design
product development
sustainability / circular design
digital fashion
on-demand production and innovative manufacturing methods
-
Our trainings are intentionally organised as small, hands-on learning environments.
Typically, 6–10 participants attend each workshop.
This allows for intensive mentoring and direct exchange with the trainers.
-
This depends on the specific workshop.
Beginner-friendly trainings (e.g. Knitwear Inside Out)
→ do not require prior technical knowledge.
Advanced trainings (e.g. Knitwear Programming)
→ require basic knowledge of knitwear design, product development, or digital design tools.
The course Knitwear Inside Out is the recommended entry point.
Detailed requirements are listed in the respective → workshop descriptions.
-
Participants are generally asked to bring:
notebook or note-taking materials / Laptop
Images to turn into Jacquard or reference stitch image you might want to reproduce
Additional materials and machines are provided in the SHIFT Microfactory Lab.
-
Workshops are typically conducted in English, as many participants are
international and most professional terminology is used in English.
-
For questions regarding participation, funding, or invoices, please contact:
Friederike Pfeffer
SHIFT Microfactory – VORN The Berlin Fashion Hub: shift@vorn-hub.com
B: Participation & Organisation
-
Workshop fees vary depending on format and duration.
Typical formats include:
2-day workshops (e.g. Knitwear Inside Out)
5-day intensive courses (e.g. Knitwear Programming)
Current prices and dates can be found on our Website.
SHIFT Trainings qualify as professional development programs and may therefore be eligible for public funding or tax deductions. Further information can be found in section C.
-
You can book a workshop ticket through our Platform.
During the booking process, the following information will be requested:
participant name
email address
company (if applicable)
billing address
-
Payment is made by credit card directly through the ticket platform and is processed via the platform’s payment provider.
After successful payment, you will receive a booking confirmation by email.
For questions regarding invoicing or booking, please contact us under shift@vorn-hub.com
-
As our workshops take place in small groups, the following cancellation terms apply:
up to 30 days before the workshop: full refund of the participation fee
14–30 days before the workshop: 50% refund
less than 14 days before the workshop: no refund possible
A replacement participant may be nominated at any time free of charge.
Cancellation requests must be submitted in writing to shift@vorn-hub.com
-
Participants receive:
an invoice for the workshop fee
a certificate of participation / certificate
optionally an employer confirmation letter
These documents may be used for tax declarations or funding applications.
C: Financing & Funding
-
Yes. In Germany, professional training expenses can generally be claimed for tax
purposes.
1. For employees
Costs can be declared as income-related expenses (Werbungskosten) in the annual tax declaration.
Possible deductions include:
workshop fees
travel expenses
accommodation costs
meal allowances
Further information and instructions are available here.
2. For companies and self-employed professionals
Training expenses can be recorded as business expenses and reduce taxable profits.
Examples of deductible expenses include:
workshop fees
travel expenses
accommodation
other work-related costs
Further information and instructions are available here.
-
Yes. Solo self-employed professionals based in Germany may qualify for funding for
selected SHIFT trainings through the KOMPASS programme (ESF Plus).
Funding overview
Funding rate: up to 90% of training costs
Maximum funding: €4,500
Target group: solo self-employed professionals based in Germany
Funding body: Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs / ESF Plus
You can find further information here.
-
1. Contact a counselling centre
Before registering for the workshop, solo self-employed professionals must
complete a consultation with an authorised KOMPASS advisory centre.
2. Receive a qualification voucher
After the consultation, a qualification voucher for training may be issued.
3. Book the workshop
The voucher can then be used to book the training with an eligible provider.
4. Receive reimbursement
After completing the training, up to 90% of the costs can be reimbursed.
Important:
The funding must be applied for before the training begins.