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The QualifyING project is preparing engineers from abroad for the German labour market for the sixth time.

In the winter semester of 2024/25, a total of 21 international engineering students will begin the QualifyING programme, ten of whom are enrolled at Bielefeld University of Applied Sciences (HSBI) in the fields of mechanical and electrical engineering, eight at the Technical University of East Westphalia-Lippe (TH OWL) in civil engineering and architecture, and three at the Technical University Georg Agricola Bochum (THGA) in mechanical engineering. A total of 36 applications were received for this programme, which is now in its sixth year.

In Germany, there is a shortage of skilled workers in many sectors. At the same time, well-educated academics with a refugee background are faced with the challenge of often having to start from scratch in Germany, as potential employers are often unable to assess the academic qualifications obtained abroad. To close this gap and to provide these professionals, particularly in engineering, with the academic qualifications they need to enter the German labour market, Bielefeld University of Applied Sciences (HSBI), the Georg Agricola University of Applied Sciences (THGA) in Bochum and the University of Applied Sciences and Arts in Ostwestfalen-Lippe (TH OWL) have launched a one-year programme.

At HSBI and THGA, the programme is offered in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, mechatronics and other related subjects, while at TH OWL, the focus is on civil engineering, geoscience and architecture, for example.

At the end of the one-year programme, participants receive a certificate of attendance from the universities confirming their successful participation. The lectures, language courses, workshops and practical phases cover specific topics such as DIN standards, but also time and project management and presentation techniques.

On 20 September, the kick-off event for the current cohort took place at HSBI. The participants were given an orientation for the upcoming programme to help them get off to the smoothest possible start. The content, schedule and requirements for obtaining the certificate were explained in detail. In addition, the participants had the opportunity to get to know each other and make initial contacts. The event was organised by the core project team, which consists of the project coordinator Ananya Nagendran (TH OWL), the mentors Arteen Kevo (TH OWL), Khorolsuren Tuvshinbayar (HSBI), Natalia Lubenska (THGA) and the digital teaching assistant Cennet Kurum (TH OWL). Professor Dr Mariam Dopslaf (HSBI) not only supported the team in organising the event, but also welcomed the participants personally and provided them with valuable initial advice as teachers.

The QualifyING project is a cooperation between the Bielefeld University of Applied Sciences, the Ostwestfalen-Lippe University of Applied Sciences and the Georg Agricola Bochum University of Technology. In this one-year programme, international engineers, mainly with a refugee background, who have completed their studies in their home country, receive further training both at the universities and in partner companies. The aim is to provide comprehensive theoretical and practical preparation for the German labour market and to acquire a certificate awarded by the universities. The project is funded by the Ministry of Culture and Science (MKW) of the state of North Rhine-Westphalia.

Further information

Since 2017, the Ministry of Culture and Science of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia (MKW), in cooperation with the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), has been supporting the integration of refugees who are able to study at the state's universities through the NRWege ins Studium programme. The experiences and insights gained from this are used in the ‘NRWege Leuchttürme’ (NRWege Beacons) programme to sustainably advance the internationalisation of universities through innovative projects. Since 2020, twelve projects at eleven universities have been supported as beacons that stand out and can lead the way for other universities, with funding of up to 250,000 euros per year over a total of three years. QualifyING is one of these twelve lighthouse projects. Funding was continued in 2023. The project is now funded by the Ministry of Culture and Science (MKW). Funding has been promised until the end of 2025.

 

About the QualifyING project