Khurshidbek Tursunov and Shobozjon Rabbonov from Uzbekistan are currently training and working at HTB Haustechnik GmbH in Brandenburg an der Havel. (Photo: © HWK Potsdam)
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July 1, 2026
A pilot project in Brandenburg with two skilled workers from Uzbekistan, one company, and initial experiences shows what skilled worker immigration means in the skilled trades.
Khurshidbek Tursunov (29) and Shobozjon Rabbonov (31) from Uzbekistan have been working at HTB Haustechnik GmbH in Brandenburg an der Havel for four months. They were placed through the nationwide pilot project " Future International Talents (FIT) for German Climate Businesses ", in which the Potsdam Chamber of Skilled Crafts is a project partner.
At a press conference at the Education and Innovation Campus for Skilled Trades (BIH) in Groß Kreutz, representatives from the skilled trades, associations, and politics presented an initial interim assessment. The first few months show that skilled worker immigration is working in the skilled trades, but not without structural support for businesses.
Language certificates attest to a level of proficiency, but they do not replace practical experience in the language. Especially in the plumbing, heating, and air conditioning (PHVAC) industry, communication on the construction site is crucial for safety and efficiency: technical terminology, instructions when dealing with customers, and established routines. Those who hold a certificate but still need to learn the technical language require more training time, and companies must invest this time.
Tursunov and Rabbonov are currently undergoing practical training : During the equivalency assessment, differences were identified compared to the German reference occupations. They are now acquiring missing knowledge in specific work areas through practical phases at their companies. The goal is full equivalence with German vocational training occupations and recognition as fully qualified skilled workers.
Operations management
Operations management
Operations management
Added to this are everyday challenges such as using and transferring driver's licenses, finding accommodation in an already tight housing market, and dealing with authorities from registration and health insurance to document translation. For craft businesses, where mobility is often a prerequisite for work, this results in additional, often costly, support services that currently fall to the companies themselves.
Robert Wüst , President of the Potsdam Chamber of Skilled Crafts: "Skilled workers are essential for the future of skilled trades. Therefore, we need targeted and practical skilled worker immigration. It is crucial that our businesses are not left to cope with this alone. They need support with residency procedures, language skills, and integration within the company and in everyday life. Only by reducing bureaucracy and providing concrete support to companies can international skilled worker immigration truly succeed in Brandenburg's skilled trades sector."
Dierk Lause , founder and managing partner of HTB Haustechnik GmbH: "For us as a company, this project is a real opportunity because we need skilled workers and at the same time learn in practice what is actually required for successful integration. However, we also see very clearly how much effort is involved in everyday life. It's not just about work, but about language, training, mobility, dealing with authorities, and the entire process of settling in. Especially in a craft business, it quickly becomes apparent that integration requires time, structure, and reliability. These experiences must be taken seriously if skilled worker immigration is to work everywhere."
The Cottbus Chamber of Skilled Crafts is also involved in the pilot project. Depending on the completion of necessary bureaucratic procedures at the German Embassy in Uzbekistan, two skilled automotive mechatronics technicians are expected to begin working at AAT Autohaus Auto-Tech GmbH in Schönefeld in early summer. "We have been exploring new avenues for some time now to address the skilled worker shortage."
“We see the FIT for German Climate Businesses project and the Talent Days as an opportunity to get to know additional skilled workers from abroad. Our company already employs automotive mechatronics technicians from Ukraine, Turkey, and Russia. We are also open and optimistic about future employees from Uzbekistan,” summarizes Salvatore Mira , Managing Director of AAT Autohaus Auto-Tech GmbH.
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