A shortage of skilled workers in the Münsterland: This is how integration from abroad succeeds!

A shortage of skilled workers in the Münsterland: This is how integration from abroad succeeds!

The shortage of skilled workers forces companies to search for talents beyond the borders! The 4th employer forum in the Coesfeld district, organized by the WFC Economic Development, the Employment Agency and other partners, devoted itself to this burning topic. "The way is not easy, but it is worth it, because the specialists are highly motivated," emphasizes Borgmann, who has hired eight trainees from countries such as China, Indonesia and Cameroon in the past three years.

The challenges are enormous: from the first contact to the start of work, six to twelve months often pass due to bureaucratic hurdles. Borgmann rented apartments in Buldern for his trainees to make the start easier. "Unfortunately, it is not compatible with our working routes with the public transport route with our service times, especially on the weekends," he explains. In order to make it easier for the new employees to get started, he opens an account before they arrive and pays in a salary advance. "After two weeks, for safety's sake, I ask if there is still money or whether you need another advance," says Borgmann.

support for companies

Monika Leiking presented the support offers of the service onboarding@Münsterland, which are intended to help companies win specialists from abroad. "We show the employers what paths they can go to find specialists and bring to Germany," she explains. This includes information on the specialist immigration law and professional recognition. In order to promote the exchange among companies, the service organizes regular networking meetings and plans workshops from spring 2025.

Not only the companies are in focus. The specialists should also learn what life in Münsterland looks like. "We answer questions about our healthcare system, schools, daycare centers and even potential employers for partners," said Leiking. A comprehensive offer that shows how important it is not only to win the new employees, but also to offer them a home.