Breakout Session Germany

In 2015 and 2016, Germany received over one million refugees and asylum seekers. The federal government, laender governments, civil society and private sector actors have made extensive efforts to enable refugees and asylum seekers to access education and training as well as the labour market in order to promote self-reliance. Challenges relating to socio-economic integration persist, however, including with regard to supporting the development of the skills and competencies required to engage in formal education and training as well as employment.

A cornerstone of related efforts has been Germany´s Vocational Education and Training (VET) system. This dual approach to professional qualification is a mainstay of Germany’s education and training structure, combining classroom education in specialised schools with supervised, on-the-job employment training. This model has existed for some 50 years and offers an entry into ca. 350 professions. With 70 percent of trainees securing employment upon formal qualification, Germany´s VET system has served as a model for states worldwide.

This breakout session discusses the opportunities provided by Germany’s VET system with regard to the (further) development of the skills and competencies of refugees and asylum-seekers, drawing upon one of many examples of dedicated private sector engagement. The session sheds light on the preconditions for successful and sustainable qualification and employment and touch upon the impact of Covid-19.

Speakers:

• Dr. Carolin Krautz, Project Coordinator Group Refugee Aid, Volkswagen AG
• Mastura Ekhlas, trainee in logistics in the first year training and former participant of the vocational preparation project „Einstiegsqualifizierung – EQ“, Volkswagen AG
• Mohammad Al Jaser, trainee in logistics in the second year training and former participant of the vocational preparation project „Einstiegsqualifizierung – EQ“, Volkswagen AG
• Marco Hahn, School Principal of Paulo Freire School at Zentrum Ueberleben
• Alessio Baldaccini, Associate Education Officer, UNHCR Headquarter                                    

Moderated by Stefanie Gross, Protection Officer, UNHCR Germany

This breakout session was part of the interactive conference „The impact of COVID-19 on refugee education“ organized by UNHCR and Kiron which is part of the German Federal Foreign Office’s Long Night of Ideas.