Training Campaign for Migrants Still Behind Targets - Saxony-Anhalt bets on young migrants to save its struggling workforce
Saxony-Anhalt is pushing to attract more young migrants to fill gaps in its workforce. Local businesses warn that without increased migration, the region’s economy could struggle. Officials have launched campaigns to bring in skilled workers, but challenges remain in retaining them.
In 2024, Saxony-Anhalt rolled out a vocational training campaign aimed at young migrants and their families. The initiative included 30 events, most held online, to highlight training opportunities. Organisers had hoped to reach 1,000 participants but saw just over 600 attend.
Roughly two-thirds of those who took part were young people, with the rest being parents or older relatives. Multilingual support helped break down early barriers, making it easier for newcomers to access training. By May 2025, around 3,000 foreign nationals were enrolled in dual vocational programmes—a rise of 600 from the previous year. Labour Minister Petra Grimm-Benne stressed that young migrants are vital for keeping training programmes running and supplying businesses with skilled staff. However, The Left Party argued that the government must do more to retain migrants and create a truly welcoming environment. Critics claimed the region’s openness to the world remains limited despite official efforts.
The campaign has boosted participation in vocational training, but attendance fell short of targets. With businesses demanding more migration to sustain the economy, Saxony-Anhalt faces pressure to improve retention and integration. The success of future efforts will depend on addressing these ongoing challenges.
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