Skilled labor shortage in Saxony-Anhalt: Vietnam as a beacon of hope!

Skilled labor shortage in Saxony-Anhalt: Vietnam as a beacon of hope!

There is an acute shortage of skilled workers in Saxony-Anhalt, which poses challenges for both the economy and educational institutions. To counteract this problem, the country, companies, chambers, associations and universities have launched a joint recruitment campaign for skilled workers from Vietnam. This initiative aims to strengthen the economic region in the long term and meet the need for qualified workers.

Since the start of this recruitment campaign, 133 prospective skilled workers have already started their training in Saxony-Anhalt. Economics Minister Sven Schulze (CDU) emphasizes that young people's interest in Saxony-Anhalt is noticeable and that the campaign is intended to set a tone, especially in the hotel and restaurant industry. But the initiatives are not limited to this sector: future careers in the areas of electronics, dental technology, metal construction, bakery and butchery are also planned.

Viethoga project and integration

A particularly successful model project is Viethoga, which focuses on dual training for young people from Vietnam. Since the implementation of this project, 860 Vietnamese trainees have already come to Saxony-Anhalt. The integration of these specialists is actively supported by the local Vietnamese community, which makes it easier for newcomers to get started. In addition, great importance is placed on sound linguistic preparation in German in order to further promote integration.

Schulze emphasizes the success of this project and sees the positive atmosphere and the great interest in Germany, especially in Saxony-Anhalt, in Vietnam as advantages. The cooperation will be strengthened through delegation trips to Vietnam, during which discussions will be held with ministries and partner institutions. The aim of these measures is to use and expand the existing historical connections between the two countries.

Future challenges

The skilled workers campaign, which is based on the initiative of the German Hotel and Restaurant Association (Dehoga), is a necessary step to secure the production potential in Saxony-Anhalt. Forecasts show that a decline of over 21 percent in the workforce is expected by 2040. The immigration of international skilled workers is therefore essential to counteract this trend.

New hybrid study programs are also planned in cooperation with the University of Magdeburg and the Steinbeis University, which are scheduled to start in the coming winter semester. The application phase for this has already begun. The campaign will therefore become an important part of the state's economic development by attracting skilled workers not only from Vietnam, but also from the neighboring states of Saxony and Lower Saxony.

The active participation of companies in the integration of international skilled workers is considered crucial. This includes the commitment of the training companies, project employees and the trainees themselves to ensure a smooth transition into professional life. The 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Germany and Vietnam in 2025 offers an opportunity to further deepen this partnership.

Further details about the recruitment campaign and the Viethoga project can be found on the website South German newspaper as well as on HR Journal.