Coaching professionals in Saxony demonstrate success in their line of work - Saxony's Employment Market Advisors Report Successes
In Saxony, the "Job Market Mentors Saxony" program has proven to be a significant success in integrating migrants into the job market. The program, which began on a model basis in October 2016, has since supported over 5,300 participants and more than 2,100 employers, with around 1,300 "mentees" affected this year alone [1].
The program's success lies in its dual focus: it provides direct support to migrants by pairing them with experienced mentors to guide their integration into the workforce, while also engaging with employers to raise awareness and offer advice on effective integration strategies [1]. This approach addresses both cultural and practical barriers, increasing the likelihood of successful long-term employment and workplace inclusion.
Employers in Saxony have reaped numerous benefits from the program. Access to a motivated and supported labor pool, better understanding and management of migrant employees, and assistance in meeting workforce needs in a tight labor market like Saxony’s, where certain sectors face talent shortages, especially in ICT and advanced manufacturing, are just some of the advantages [2]. By integrating migrants through mentorship, employers can more effectively fill vacancies and reduce recruitment and training costs.
At an economic level, integrating migrants into the workforce helps alleviate skills shortages, fosters diversity and innovation, and supports the growth of key industries in Saxony such as microelectronics and manufacturing [1][2]. This can contribute to regional economic resilience and competitiveness in a demanding labor market environment.
Economics Minister Dirk Panter (SPD) has praised the program, stating that it helps migrants to establish themselves financially and realize themselves [3]. The program also contributes to acceptance in the population, particularly during times of skills and labor shortages.
The mentors, active throughout Saxony, are part of 14 projects and number around 50 mentor women and men [1]. Parallel to entry into the profession, professional qualifications and targeted language promotion should be further expanded for migrants to take on not only simple tasks but also qualified jobs.
The program has been successful in locations such as Dresden, where it is currently active. In November 2024, over 26,000 refugees are employed in Saxony, with a majority in full-time and part-time positions. Remarkably, this represents a 30% increase from 2023 and a 126% increase from 2020 [4]. The program has been extended until the end of 2027, with close cooperation between employment agencies, job centers, municipalities, integration projects, and companies remaining essential to promote refugees and optimally utilize their potential.
- The "Job Market Mentors Saxony" program, since its inception in October 2016, has been instrumental in providing employment policy for migrants in Saxony, serving over 5,300 participants and 2,100 employers.
- A key aspect of this program is its focus on education-and-self-development and personal-growth, offering mentorship to migrants for career-development, thus addressing both cultural and practical barriers to successful long-term employment.
- Employers in Saxony have benefited from the program as well, gaining access to a motivated labor pool, improving management of migrant employees, and filling vacancies in sectors facing talent shortages, such as ICT and advanced manufacturing.
- Integrating migrants into the workforce through programs like "Job Market Mentors Saxony" can have significant economic benefits, including alleviating skills shortages, fostering diversity and innovation, and contributing to regional economic resilience and competitiveness.
