Integration through vocational training

Support for refugees and their vocational training companies

Amal (19) is one step closer to her dream of working in a dental practice. During her vocational training, she will face many challenges and will have to be very strong. And yet, this time lays the foundation for a self-determined life. Amal is driven by two desires above all: having her own flat and financial independence. So far, she has not received the support she needs at home, where the work for the family often falls to her. However, Amal is determined to stand up for herself and her goals. To do so, she needs appreciation, support and the courage not to give up - even if there are problems. For her, the path through vocational training means not only professional qualifications, but also the opportunity to develop personally. She gains self-confidence, experiences self-efficacy, overcomes insecurities and grows beyond herself.

Background

Wars and crises in countries such as Syria, Iraq and Afghanistan have led to more and more people coming to Germany in the last ten years to seek sanctuary and build a new future for themselves. The majority of the now 1.7 million refugees are of working age, and 60 per cent of them are actually under 30 years old (BIBB, 2019). Placing young refugees in vocational training and work is therefore a central function of German integration work.
In the meantime, every tenth company employs refugees as part of vocational training. For many of these companies, however, this also brings new challenges. For example, more than 90 per cent of companies cite a lack of German language skills as an obstacle in the training process. In addition, companies find it difficult that many refugees first have to get used to the new working environment. The majority of companies also consider the effort required for additional support to be too much (Pierenkemper & Heuer, 2020). In order not to leave companies alone with the integration of refugees into the labour market, there are numerous public support measures. However, these are not always specifically geared to the needs of refugees, and 60 per cent of companies state that the offers do not fit their requirements (Pierenkemper & Heuer, 2020).

The good deed

Thanks to your good deed, young refugees receive 8 minutes of help in their vocational training. Successful vocational training is the key to successful integration. The core component of the training assistance is a German language course to promote professional language skills, as a lack of German skills is seen as the greatest challenge in the training process. The German course is supplemented by various workshops and tutoring services based on what refugees and companies need. At the same time, the key competences of the refugees are to be strengthened. These programmes are accompanied by an open office hour for companies and refugees, where we provide advice and support on questions and issues. Successful completion of vocational training opens the doors to a self-determined life. Your good deed today thus promotes the social and professional participation of young refugees in Germany and reduces companies' reservations about hiring refugees.