Although the title of this integration practice refers to "Spaniards", it is aimed at all Spanish speaking immigrants, including third-country nationals from Latin America. Since November 2012, the Federal State of Hesse (DE) and the Autonomous Community of Madrid (ES) have engaged in a cooperation, focussing on employment and training. The Chamber of Skilled Crafts Frankfurt-Rhein-Main offers young Spaniards a dual apprenticeship course in becoming a plant mechanic, electronics technician or roofer. The practical nature of the training provides them with a multitude of career perspectives in both Spain and Germany. After approximately 3 years, they receive a state-approved qualification (Gesellenbrief). They receive continuous professional, social and educational support from Chamber staff during the project. The goal is the best possible integration of these young people in the companies and society.
Project Goal
As part of the project, the following objectives are particularly pursued by the Frankfurt-Rhein-Main Chamber of Skilled Crafts:
- Intensive assistance for young Spaniards in choosing a profession and in acquiring initial professional training as part of the dual apprenticeship training programme
- Advancement of the young people’s German skills
- Support/assistance for the young people in unfamiliar life situations in Germany
- Advancement of the willingness to educate in Hesse’s skilled crafts companies to cover the need for skilled craftsmen/-women
- Securing and strengthening of the provision of vocational training in “professions with shortages”
- Strengthening of the competitiveness of Hesse’s skilled crafts trade in the Rhine-Main region
- Creating awareness of and increasing of the attractiveness of the dual apprenticeship training programme
Who benefits
- Hessian entrepreneurs/company owners: Retaining skilled workers
- Spanish trainees and families: Qualification and career perspectives
- The economy: More specialised workers
- Society: Improvement of the integration of young Europeans via vocational training and creation of a “welcoming culture”
How it works
After participating in informational events, application interviews and German classes in Madrid and a work placement in Frankfurt with their future employers in April 2013, 43 young Spaniards returned to Frankfurt in late August 2013. The first two weeks served as orientation and for handling the most important formalities. On September 1, 2013 the apprenticeship training began for all participants. During their entire apprenticeship training course, German and Spanish trainees complete a rotation of practical phases at the company, industry-wide training courses and blocks of vocational school sessions together. The young people attend evening German courses twice a week. Staff constantly provide the young people with professional, social and educational support and are there for them in case of any problems.
Results
- Qualification and career perspectives for young Spaniards
- Intensification of the cooperation in the employment and training market between the regions of Madrid and Hesse
- Advancement of the “welcoming culture” in Germany
- Integration of young Europeans in the German labour market
- Strengthening the cooperation between the crafts organization, the companies and the vocational schools
- Strengthening of the cooperation of the stakeholders in the area of career training and education in Spain and Germany
- Knowledge and experience for the future advising of companies in educating young Europeans
Evaluation
- Monthly steering committee meetings with project managers and project coordinators
- Participant monitoring
- Reports
Funding and resources
The project is being financed by funds provided by the Hessian Ministry of Economics, Transport and Regional Development and the European Union’s European Social Fund. Funding of the language courses, financial support to ensure the living expenses are covered in Germany and two flights a year to their home country come from the Mobi-Pro-EU programme run by the German Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs. Total budget: €470,000
About this good practice
- Project dates
- -
- Geographic area
- Germany
- City
- Frankfurt-Rhine-Main Region (Hesse)
- Organisation
- Chamber of Skilled Crafts Frankfurt-Rhein-Main
- Contact person
- Florian Schöll
- Position
- Head of the Europe Office
Details
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