First connect|train|transform OWL at HSBI: Designing New Ways to Integrate International Specialists into the Labour Market

Bielefeld (hsbi). How can I find a job in Germany? Can I have my degrees from abroad recognised? Who can help me with that? On Tuesday, 18 March, more than 750 visitors were able to obtain answers to these and other questions at the first connect|train|transform OWL (ctt OWL) at Hochschule Bielefeld – University of Applied Sciences and Arts (HSBI). The special thing about the information and advisory fair was that it brought together people with a migration history, employers from all over OWL and experts.

More than 50 actors supporting labour market integration in East Westphalia-Lippe (OWL) – from recognition and qualification through to work placement – had information booths at the fair. What was particularly helpful was that visitors were able to obtain information on the exhibitors on the event’s website and could thus plan their visit in advance. In addition, integration guides provided support in 19 languages.

“Fostering every individual’s potential”

District President Anna Katharina Bölling and HSBI President Prof. Dr. Ingeborg Schramm-Wölk gave the opening speeches for the ctt OWL fair. Both emphasised the importance of a good advisory and support structure for the OWL region.

“Companies in East Westphalia are struggling to find skilled employees. I think the theme ‘We called for a workforce and human beings came’ is very fitting for OWL. After all, people with a migration history bring a huge professional potential and motivation to work,” Anna Katharina Bölling explained.

Professor Schramm-Wölk added: “Together with our partners, HSBI strengthens OWL as an economic region and contributes to successful coexistence. In close collaboration with regional businesses and policymakers, we engage in fostering every individual’s potential. We are united in our commitment for an open society in which every individual finds their place and is able to use their skills.”

Information on recognition, continuing education, financing, language courses and more

The ctt OWL fair provided many support and advisory services for successful integration into the labour market: The Jobcenter and Federal Employment Agency were available to offer extensive advice on jobs, vocational training and continuing education. In addition, recognition authorities answered questions around the recognition of foreign degrees, helping specialists use their qualifications to the best possible extent. Universities provided information on study and qualification opportunities. To receive individual advice, visitors could bring their CVs and copies of their certificates.

Visitors who wish to improve their language skills obtained information on German courses and financing. Moreover, companies found support through individual advice on measures to promote qualification and on residence legislation in order to facilitate their access to qualified specialists.

Representatives from companies and specialised organisations discussed how labour market integration in OWL can be designed to be easier and more sustainable during the workshop “Agile Interface Management,” which took place in the morning. Together, they talked about innovative approaches to the integration process. Special focus was on the use of technologies such as chatbots and digital tools to potentially support the process.

More than 50 actors supporting job market integration in OWL – from recognition and qualification through to work placement – had information booths at the fair.

Collaboration project of IfB OWL and HSBI: more specialists for OWL

The association Initiative für Beschäftigung OWL e.V. (IfB OWL) organised the event in collaboration with HSBI’s GlobalFIT Initiative. Coordinating the regional integration network IQ NRW-Ost, IfB OWL is committed to supporting both companies and specialists with a migration history by showing them ways into the labour market and unlocking existing potential. As Marike Tabor, who manages the project RIN IQ NRW-Ost, puts it: “Many people bring both the required qualifications and motivation – but they often don’t have contacts or access. The exhibitors at the ctt OWL fair took a lot of time for individual encounters today. And that’s exactly what made the difference: many visitors went home with a clear plan for their continuing education or the recognition of their qualifications!”

Sebastian Neuhaus-Ewering from HSBI’s International Office, who organised the event on the part of HSBI, said: “HSBI has long been contributing to the education and recruitment of international talent for the OWL region. HSBI’s GlobalFIT Initiative helps us support our international students entering the labour market in OWL as smoothly as possible. Participating in the ctt OWL fair was thus a logical step and a successful collaboration with IfB OWL for us.”

Facilitating direct encounters and showing clear paths

In all, the first connect|train|transform OWL (ctt OWL) was dedicated to the challenge of integrating people with a migration history into the labour market in a sustainable manner and along the potential they bring due to their education. The fair demonstrated how important personal advice and networking are in unlocking people’s potential and finding sustainable solutions for successful integration into the labour market. It thus gave a powerful signal for collaboration and shaping the future in the region. (IfB/she)