Intercultural “Programme for a career start of the Saarland steel industry 2.0” (BEST)

Training is a decisive factor in the integration of young refugees. However, for local, so-called “unprovided for youngsters”, too, a training position is also often the last chance for them to nonetheless find their way into a self-determined life. For this reason, Stahlstiftung Saarland has initiated the programme “BEST 2.0” together with 4 other partners. The aim of BEST 2.0 is to improve the possibilities for entering into a training course and for integrating the currently 11 young Germans and 15 refugees into the initial labour market. Additional participants are also to join during the course of the programme.

The participants are of a maximum age of 25 years and have undergone a two-week aptitude analysis to determine their individual performance levels. In the process, social and vocational skills have been determined such as the ability to learn, work planning, the ability to work in a team or fine motor skills. In the period from 4th October 2016 to 14th July 2017, the participants learn the basics of electrical engineering, metals technology and process technology and are familiarized with working life and work processes. The programme is completed by a test at the end of each learning module and is continuously accompanied by employees from the organization for collaborative training in the region “Verbundausbildung Untere Saar e.V.” (VAUS). The programme is financed by Stahlstiftung Saarland and the Saarland employment agency.

Quotations:

Peter Schweda, Chairman of the Board of Trustees and Labour Director at Dillinger and Saarstahl:

“Both steel companies have already fulfilled their social responsibility in the past and have supported unprovided for youngsters in special projects. With the integration of refugees, we are now breaking new ground. This programme will be enriching for all of those involved and I am optimistic that the participants will achieve the desired level of training due to the individually coordinated qualification plan, the assistance of our committed trainers and, not least, due to the intercultural exchange.”

Anke Rehlinger, Minister for the Economy, Labour, Energy and Transport, Saarland:

“The programme will pave the way in training and work, not only for young people from the Saarland but also for refugees. Youngsters who do not yet have the required vocational aptitude or who have refugee status can thus develop into valuable skilled specialists. We only have to provide them with decisive support. That is exactly what the initiators of this project are doing and for this I thank them.“

Jürgen Haßdenteufel, Managing Director of the Saarland Employment Agency:

“Even if the training market has turned strongly in favour of young people seeking a training position within the last few years, many still initially do not have a chance. These currently include a large number of young refugees. With BEST 2.0, we are taking an important step together with these young people towards integrating them into the labour market and into our society”.

Partners:

BEST is a project by the steel foundation of the Saarland “Stahlstiftung Saarland“, the employment agency of the Saarland, the job centres of Saarbrücken, the district of Saarlouis and the collaborative training organization “Verbundausbildung Untere Saar e.V”. (VAUS).