Several parties interested in operating the "German School"
The "German Professional School" project in Thuringia for the vocational preparation of young foreigners is taking shape. There are several interested parties for the school, which aims to prepare young people with a migration background for vocational training in the Free State, said a spokesperson for the Ministry of Economics when asked in Erfurt.
The ministry had launched a procedure for interested educational institutions to apply to run the school. The contract should be awarded in the next few weeks.
The start of the "German School" is still planned for March 2024, said the spokesperson. Up to four locations in Thuringia are planned. With the school, the Free State is breaking new ground in preparing young foreigners for training. The project will initially be implemented in stages until 2026 as a pilot project.
It envisages that the young people will be placed with companies in the Free State following their vocational preparation. The offer will initially be aimed at people who have experienced flight and are already in Germany and have a right to stay or a tolerated stay permit. The Ministry of Economic Affairs intends to provide a single-digit million sum for 2024.
According to the ministry, Thuringia needs to mobilize all employment potential in order to meet the economy's need for skilled workers and skilled labour. In the coming years, tens of thousands will retire from working life for reasons of age. At the same time, the number of refugees who need to be integrated into society and the labor market is growing.
In addition to language acquisition, the school curriculum should also include the teaching of intercultural skills, basic knowledge about Germany and Thuringia as well as core values such as democracy, the rule of law, equality, freedom of opinion, belief, conscience and religion. Internships and contact exchanges with companies and vocational schools are planned.
The ministry is considering partnerships with various institutions for the operation of the "German School," as they believe that a strong education sector is crucial for integrating young migrants into the labor market. With the right educational opportunities, these individuals can contribute to Thuringia's workforce, helping to fill the gap left by retiring workers while also meeting the growing need for skilled labor.
Source: www.dpa.com
