A shortage of skilled workers: MINT projects should bring international talents to Saarland!

A shortage of skilled workers: MINT projects should bring international talents to Saarland!

The shortage of skilled workers in Germany is an urgent problem that affects the MINT industry (mathematics, engineering, natural sciences and technology) in particular. The latest estimates indicate that around 1.1 million IT specialists could be missing in Germany by 2030. This alarming number was published by Saarland's Minister of Economic Affairs Jürgen Barke, who has announced various initiatives to promote MINT professions. The measures include specially introduced MINT scholarships for future employees of the state administration to facilitate access to technical professions, so that a future skilled worker bottleneck is also avoided.

A central project that was launched as part of these initiatives is "Quazar". This joint project of the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) as well as the University of the Saarland and the University of Technology and Economy (HTW) is pursuing an integrative approach that extends over the entire study period. "Quazar" stands for "qualification and labor market integration of international students in Saarland" and aims to inspire international students for studying MINT in Saarland. It is funded by a total of 1.15 million euros over four years by the DAAD and the Federal Ministry of Education and Research.

support for international students

The program aims to create new access routes for international students. This includes study preparation programs, German courses and increased support during your studies. Another important aspect of the project is career counseling for international students who are supposed to beat a bridge between universities and the companies in Saarland. With the newly founded "Career Service for International Students" at both universities, networking of companies and graduates is promoted.

A DAAD survey illustrates the potential of international students in Saarland. Almost 60 % of international students at the Saarland University would like to stay in Germany after completing their conclusion, of which about half plans to settle in Saarland. At the HTW, two thirds of the international students state that they want to stay in Germany, with two thirds of them also want to work in Saarland. This shows that the willingness to integrate into the German labor market goes beyond the MINT subjects and is greatly rooted in the population.

strategies for skill in skilled workers

Appropriate 75,000 international students are currently studying in Germany, including about half in MINT subjects. Ten years after their degree, around a third of these graduates live and work in Germany. The DAAD aims to increase this number to around 50,000 by 2030. However, this requires the dismantling of political and structural obstacles as well as improved support during your studies.