Almost every industry is struggling with an alarming shortage of qualified workers.
According to a study by the Bertelsmann Foundation, the immigration of foreign skilled workers and employees can alleviate this situation. However, the challenge is not only to attract qualified immigrants to Germany, but also to integrate them into the company and society and thus keep them in Dresden, for example, in the long term.
We are delighted that the event on 8 November 2023 was opened by the new Councillor for Economic Affairs, Digital Affairs, Human Resources and Security, Mr. Pratzka. As the long-standing Chairman of the Management Board of the Employment Agency, he is very familiar with both the opportunities and risks of labor migration.
Wirtschaft für ein Weltoffenes Sachen gave a keynote speech on the “Weltoffener Arbeitgeber” project and the Fachinformationszentrum für Zuwanderung (FIZU) on practical support options for companies.
The international company Applied Materials GmbH, which has a large site in Dresden, reported on its practical experience of employing and integrating international employees in Dresden.
In a subsequent panel discussion with:
- Mr. Pratzka, Councillor for Economic Affairs, Digital Affairs, Human Resources and Security, City of Dresden
- Ms. Hildebrand, Managing Director of the Dresden Employment Agency
- Ms. Pfefferkorn, Managing Director of the Association Economy for a Cosmopolitan Saxony
- Mr. Robson, Corporate Vice President of Applied Materials GmbH
- Mr. Hache, Head of the Department of Citizenship and Foreigners’ Affairs, City of Dresden
on topics such as welcoming culture in the company, employee retention and overcoming bureaucratic hurdles. Questions could be put directly to the participants.
The bilateral exchange was possible at “theme islands” with contact persons, including us from the Association of Business for a Cosmopolitan Saxony, FIZU, the Foreigners’ Registration Office, the Employment Agency, the Job Center, the Chamber of Industry and Commerce and the Chamber of Crafts.
Thanks to the Dresden Economic Development Corporation.