Future opportunities: training
The Senate of the Free Hanseatic City of Bremen and the Chamber of Skilled Crafts and Trades recognize their responsibility to create sustainable career prospects, especially for young refugees. Therefore, the "Future Opportunity: Vocational Training" program was launched in 2014. Through a one-year entry-level qualification (EQ), funded by the Federal Employment Agency, the program aims to create the conditions for a smooth transition into dual vocational training. In 2017, up to 80 young people who were assigned to the Free Hanseatic City of Bremen as refugees and reside in Bremen were able to take advantage of this opportunity. They were given the chance to learn a trade. The entry-level qualification offered a diverse range of apprenticeships in various commercial, technical, skilled trades, and IT professions. Upon starting the EQ, participants attend vocational school classes for the first year of their apprenticeship. To further improve their German language skills, additional language support was provided. Supplementary support services were also available.
The Stadtbibliothek also recognizes its responsibility and is participating in this project. Currently, two participants are working at our central library, completing their training as media and information services specialists (FaMI). Two more refugees are expected to begin their training at the Stadtbibliothek this summer.
The project was recently presented by the library's target group coordinator, Ms. Britta Schmedemann, and the Syrian trainee, Ms. Marwa Malki, at the 106th German Library Congress in Frankfurt am Main. The presentation on the entry-level qualification program led to a lively exchange of ideas, and we are confident that other German states and libraries will soon follow Bremen's example and develop programs for the successful integration of refugees into the labor market.
Further information about the project can be obtained from the Bremen State Training and Education Centre, and information about introductory qualifications can be obtained from the Stadtbibliothek Bremen at:
Nora Neuhaus de Laurel
– Eigenbetrieb der Stadtgemeinde Bremen –
Personnel Development / Training Management,
Am Wall 201,
28195 Bremen,
Phone: (0421) 361 – 173 44