BIBB - Training in Southeast Asia

Foreign skilled workers often need support on the path to making a successful start to their careers in Germany. Providing competent advice locally is important so that this support can begin at an early stage in the country of origin. The training team in the “Recognition of professional qualifications” division at the Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training (BIBB) therefore regularly offers virtual training abroad.

On 20 and 27 January 2022, the region of Southeast Asia was the focus for what is now the fifth virtual overseas training session. There was huge interest. More than 30 representatives from German-speaking institutions in eight countries (Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam) connected into the training session from four different time zones. The main focus of the interactive online training was the path a skilled worker takes to obtain a visa via recognition of their professional qualification. All stages in the professional recognition process were examined in four interactive modules. What needs to be clarified before applying for recognition? Which issues arise and what tasks are involved in making the application? And what happens after the recognition notice? This involved consideration of the legal requirements, but mainly finding the answer to the question of what official offers of advice and information are available to support with the individual steps.

It is particularly useful for local government institutions to have knowledge of the German recognition process to ensure competent advice in the countries of origin. To support this, training for institutions in Egypt and Tunisia together with the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ) took place back in December 2021. The training was delivered in English and French, and its target audience was labour administrations as well as a range of ministries working in the areas of education and training, and in labour migration. For example, on 8 and 9 December a training course was run with advisers from the Tunisian employment agency ANETI (Agence Nationale pour l’Emploi et le Travail). This also involved illustrating the recognition process from the perspective of a skilled worker in a series of steps and based on practical issues.

The training team is already preparing for the next training course. German-speaking institutions advising skilled workers locally in Latin America will be invited to attend in April. If you would like to find out more about the training, please send an email to: schulungen_anerkennung@bibb.de

More information

Online training on recognition