The German Integration Foundation has several campaigns to help immigrants between the ages of 18 and 29 successfully integrate into the workforce. Since its founding in 2008, the foundation has pursued a twofold mission:

  1. Preserve Social Cohesion
  2. Secure the Future Viability of Germany

According to Christian Wulff, the former Federal President of Germany and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the German Integration Foundation, diversity enriches every German’s life together. Diversity also challenges everyone to respect differences with respect to culture, religion, and ethnicity as part of the German society. As a result, peace will be maintained, and the German society can live together in harmony.

German Integration Foundation Celebrates the Basic Law’s 70th Anniversary

Germany celebrated the 70th anniversary of the passing of the German Constitution on May 23, 2019. In her speech to a group of young immigrants to mark this anniversary, German Chancellor Angela Merkel noted the country’s future viability depends on how successful it is in managing both immigration and integration. The German Integration Foundation’s “Go Your Way” initiative brought the crowd together for the occasion.

What is the Go Your Way Program?

The German Integration Foundation’s Go Your Way program provides scholarships and mentoring opportunities for young talented immigrants. The program has four main elements:

  1. Scholarships
  2. Mentoring Program
  3. Exclusive Events
  4. Broad Network

While the scholarships provide funding for the participants, the main element of the program is the mentoring relationship. Through mentoring, the immigrants gain access to professionals who provide coaching and introduction opportunities over a two year period.

Participants can take part in several other program offerings to expand their skills in career-related topics. The program notes that several high-profile personalities provide mentoring in the program, including Federal Minister of Justice and Consumer Protection, Dr. Katarina Barley; former Chief Executive Officer of thyssenkrupp AG Heinrich Hiesinger; and former Federal President of Germany Christian Wulff.

How are Businesses Benefiting From the German Integration Foundation?

German businesses benefit from the German Integration Foundation in several ways. Companies facing skills shortages gain by working alongside the government to help immigrants entering the country. Many companies participate in Wir Zusammen, or “We Together,” a group that help integrate new arrivals into German society. The network brings together companies who commit to helping immigrants gain admission to society and a quick start in the German working world.

We Together was founded in February 2016 by Ralph Dommermuth, founder and CEO of United Internet AG, and is supported by the Ralph and Judith Dommermuth Foundation. Over 36 major German companies participated in the initiation including:

  • Adidas
  • Deutsche Bank
  • Hugo Boss
  • Bosch
  • Siemens
  • thyssenkrupp
  • Lufthansa Group
  • United Internet
  • Volkswagen
  • Airbus

What Does This Mean?

Employers in Germany should look into programs from the German Integration Foundation. The foundation’s reach includes a social media campaign to introduce young immigrants and lets them share their experiences in Germany. The foundation recently celebrated its 10 year anniversary in December of 2018 and welcomed over 600 guests from across Germany’s political, business, administrative, and cultural spheres.

Employers not currently in Germany might consider the country as a strategic location for corporate expansion. The services of an International Professional Employer Organization (PEO) may be useful to help an employer enter Germany and quickly test the local market.

What should Employers do?

Employers in Germany should review their company’s growth plans and requirements for jobs across all levels of skill sets. They should also determine how their company’s growth plans will impact the jobs required to meet business plans and goals. Employers should consider developing apprentice programs and structuring jobs to appeal to immigrants who are seeking jobs. They should contact the German Integration Foundation for more information on how they can benefit from its many programs.

Employers outside of Germany should investigate the services of an International PEO. Relocation Management Companies (RMCs) can provide expert assistance to employers looking to expand their corporate presence to Germany.

Conclusion

GMS’ team of global relocation experts has helped thousands of our clients develop relocation programs that attract and retain qualified employees throughout the world. Our team can help your company determine how to benefit as the German Integration Foundation administers programs that support successful immigrant integration into German society and the workforce.

GMS was the first relocation company to register as a .com, created the first online interactive tools and calculators, and revolutionized the entire relocation industry. GMS continues to set the industry pace as the pioneer in innovation and technology solutions with its proprietary MyRelocation™ technology platform.

Global Mobility Solutions is proud to be named and ranked #1 Overall, and #1 in Quality of Service by HRO Today’s 2019 Baker’s Dozen Customer Satisfaction Survey.

Learn best practices from Global Mobility Solutions, the relocation industry and technology experts who are dedicated to keeping you informed and connected. Contact our experts online to discuss your company’s relocation and visa program needs for Germany as they relate to the German Integration Foundation and their programs, or give us a call at 800.617.1904 or 480.922.0700 today.

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