Seven companies that are particularly committed to integrating people of foreign origin into training and employment have received the NRW Skilled Crafts Integration Award. (Photo: © auremar/123RF.com)
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On the occasion of Diversity Day, the Chambers of Crafts in North Rhine-Westphalia and the WHKT are honoring seven companies that are committed to the integration of people of foreign origin into training and employment.
On May 31st, Germany will celebrate its 10th Diversity Day . On this day, the Chambers of Skilled Crafts in North Rhine-Westphalia and the West German Association of Chambers of Skilled Crafts (WHKT) will recognize seven businesses that are particularly committed to the integration of people of foreign origin into vocational training and employment.
In each chamber district, one winner receives prize money of 500 euros and a certificate issued by the Chamber of Skilled Crafts, the Westphalian Chamber of Skilled Crafts (WHKT), and the North Rhine-Westphalia Ministry of Integration . Which craft businesses will be honored for their commitment this year will be announced after the awards ceremony.
"Whether we can secure the performance and economic stability of the skilled trades in the long term depends largely on whether we master the issue of securing skilled workers . Crucial to this is skilled worker immigration ," emphasizes WHKT President Berthold Schröder.
For this to succeed in the skilled trades, however, the trades need the necessary support structures and manageable bureaucratic processes . On the other hand, businesses are needed that take the initiative and seize the opportunities together with interested skilled workers from third countries. "The Skilled Trades Integration Award is therefore an important signal – especially for securing skilled workers through immigration in the skilled trades."
Craft policy
Craft policy
The Chambers of Skilled Crafts in Germany - HWK Münster
Especially in light of the war in Ukraine , it is important for skilled trades to demonstrate responsibility for integration, cooperation, diversity, and intercultural sensitivity, says Matthias Heidmeier, Managing Director of the WHKT (Association of Skilled Trades). "Skilled trades offer career prospects and support to those who desire them and are willing to accept them."
The Münster Chamber of Skilled Crafts (HWK Münster) awarded the 2022 North Rhine-Westphalia Skilled Crafts Integration Prize in the Münster Chamber district to the business of master automotive technician Bayram Tosun (49, right) in Bottrop. The entrepreneur, born in Turkey, came to Germany with his parents at the age of three and, as a teenager, decided to pursue an apprenticeship in the automotive trade. At 40, he successfully completed his master craftsman training and founded his automotive repair shop in 2018. He trains three apprentices with a migration background: Mertcan Cakan (22, second from right) and Baris Bafra (18, left), whose families come from Turkey, and Mhd Nizar Al Hjjar (24, third from left), from Syria. The Integration Prize was presented by Chamber of Skilled Crafts President Hans Hund (second from left).
South Westphalia Chamber of Skilled Crafts : For " Floor König " in Olpe, the topic of "integration" is a true passion. On the one hand, the family-run business from the Sauerland region wants to offer migrants training and employment opportunities. On the other hand, it's a way for the company to counteract the worsening shortage of skilled workers. The company is happy to support them with finding accommodation and dealing with authorities. A dedicated German teacher helps with language difficulties. The concept is a success: While father Pellumb Doku from Albania successfully completed his apprenticeship at Floor König, his son Redi followed suit. He even became the state champion parquet layer.
The Bielefeld Chamber of Skilled Crafts (HWK OWL) has awarded the North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW) Integration Prize for Skilled Crafts to Elektro Zelek GmbH . Owner Dariusz Zelek came to Germany from Poland at the age of 21 with little knowledge of German. After completing his apprenticeship and master craftsman training, he started his own business. Today, employees and trainees from various nations work successfully together at his company. "For us, it's not about origin, but whether an employee is motivated and performs well," explained Zelek. "You embody integration and demonstrate that working together in diversity is beneficial, especially in the business world," said Peter Eul, President of the Chamber of Skilled Crafts OWL, praising the company owner's commitment.
Dortmund Chamber of Skilled Crafts: Master hairdresser Seval Reçber ( Seval's Traum Haidesign ) has been self-employed for 36 years and is passionate about training apprentices. Every year she hires at least two apprentices, one of whom usually has a migration background. "I never look at grades," says the 60-year-old. "Everyone has their strengths and weaknesses. Many are very creative, but not so good at theory." Then she arranges tutoring. Berthold Schröder, President of the Dortmund Chamber of Skilled Crafts, and Managing Director Carsten Harder presented the award. "You give young people with a migration background a chance, including those with difficult pasts. That's why we want to recognize you today. Because integration works best through vocational training, and we are particularly good at that in the skilled trades," said Schröder.
Cologne Chamber of Skilled Crafts: Finding a home in the skilled trades was the focus of this year's Integration Prize in the Cologne Chamber of Skilled Crafts district, awarded during the spring meeting of its general assembly. The Gummersbach-based plumbing, heating, and air conditioning (PHVAC) company Paul Heinisch eK was honored for its exemplary integration of Syrian refugees. In the family business, owned by Andreas Heinisch, who runs it in its fourth generation, teamwork is what counts – not origin. Since 2018, three young Syrians have begun their apprenticeships at the company. One of them has already successfully completed his journeyman's examination and has since been working as a valued team member in a permanent position.
Düsseldorf Chamber of Skilled Crafts: Hamidullah Sulhdost fled Afghanistan 30 years ago at the age of 13, first escaping the Mujahideen, and two years later, he fled Russia to Germany. In 1997, he completed his secondary school leaving certificate in Düsseldorf and subsequently trained as an automotive mechatronics technician. He earned his master craftsman's certificate in 2007. In 2011, he joined the Gierten car dealership in Hilden, where he has since managed the automotive workshop and trained young people, including refugees. For the past six years, Hamid Sulhdost has also volunteered on the journeyman's examination board, advocating for the training of young professionals. His employer, Ralf Gierten, owner of the car dealership, was also able to accept the 2022 Integration Award.
Aachen Chamber of Skilled Crafts: The 2022 Integration Prize goes to Heinrich Töller (right), who runs the " Töllerei " bakery. The master baker provides immigrants with career opportunities. Apprentices with a migration background are welcomed into the business in a collegial environment. "This is how integration works. The skilled trades are grateful to gain good and urgently needed skilled workers in this way. You are a fantastic role model," emphasized Chamber President Marco Herwartz. Most recently, two young men from Guinea and Eritrea, Ibrahima Barry and Efrem Abraha (center), learned the baking trade at the "Töllerei" – Heinrich Töller hired both of them as journeymen. He is currently training three apprentices who have fled their home countries of Afghanistan, Nigeria, and Senegal.
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