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including interview with Tatjana Erfurt and Olesia Hausmann, academic researchers at the Competence Centre for Recognition and Job Training

Advice on recognition and job training – services for persons with foreign professional and vocational qualifications

Starting position

In some work areas, the recognition of professional or vocational qualifications acquired abroad is a prerequisite for exercising an occupation in Germany. But recognition can also bring crucial benefits in professions and occupations for which it is not mandatory. It has, for example, been shown to help lead to employment and remuneration appropriate to qualifications. Within the context of the immigration of skilled workers, recognition is also a requirement for the acquisition of certain residence permits.

However, the legal foundations and processes for recognition vary by profession or occupation and also by federal state in some cases. The complex general conditions and different individual prior learning on the part of those seeking recognition mean that there is a need for specialised expert advice. Against this background, advice on recognition within the scope of the Network IQ was instigated to coincide with the entry into force of the Federal Professional Qualifications Assessment Act (BQFG) in 2012. Advice on job training was added a few years later. As part of quality processes, advisory provision has undergone continuous further development in a needs-oriented way.

 

Implementation and advice contents

IQ advice on recognition and job training (AQB) is an established service in all 16 federal states, and there are a total of 60 advice centres (2023–2025 funding period). It offers comprehensive support to those who wish to obtain recognition of a professional or vocational qualification acquired abroad. Evidence of the training and occupational experience of the people using the services is inspected during the advisory session. The possible German reference occupation and the competent body are identified, and the prerequisites for recognition are explained. Advisers remain available throughout the whole of the recognition procedure to assist as and when required. They provide support with compilation of the necessary documentation, questions relating to funding opportunities and understanding the recognition notice. In the event of partial recognition or of a notice imposing compensation measures, discussions take place with the service users to clarify the training opportunities that will enable achievement of full recognition or entry to the German labour market.

Advice is offered face-to-face, by telephone, and in digital formats. It may also take place on a mobile basis (e.g. at job centres) or in the form of a group advisory session. The language used in the advisory session is adapted to the needs of the service users. There are often multilingual advisers, or advice can be given in simplified language. Advice is free of charge, neutral and confidential.

 

Minimum standards

Minimum standards for AQB have been drawn up in the Network IQ in order to ensure uniform high quality nationwide. Migration-specific anti-discrimination has been adopted as a general principle in these standards, and the necessity for diversity competency on the part advisers has been set out. Further minimum standards encompass aspects such as consideration of the individual requirements of persons seeking advice and the neutrality and independence of the AQB.

Good knowledge management and efficient management of interfaces have been defined as standards with regard to the general conditions governing successful AQB. Awareness and availability of the advice provision are further linked factors. Other focuses include ensuring a discreet setting for the advisory session and thorough preparation and follow-up of advice.

Conclusion

The comprehensive support structure of the AQB allows it to help those affected to negotiate recognition procedures successfully. The combination of individual advice, a high degree of professional competency, regional networking and a focus on sustainable integration make the AQB a valuable instrument within the context of securing a skilled worker supply and of integration policy.