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An offer from the Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training

ProRecognition

The ProRecognition Project provides counselling on recognition at a local level for skilled workers in several countries. The counselling is offered at the German Chambers of Commerce Abroad and Delegations of German Industry and Commerce.

What does ProRecognition stand for?

ProRecognition is a project providing recognition advice abroad. It was launched in 2015 and will be funded through to the end of 2027 by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF). The project is aimed equally at skilled workers with vocational qualifications and at professionals with academic qualifications. It is coordinated by DIHK Service GmbH in close cooperation with the German Chamber of Industry and Commerce (DIHK). The ProRecognition counselling centers are established at a number of German Chambers of Commerce Abroad (AHKs).

ProRecognition provides advice, support and help for foreign skilled workers at a local level in all issues relating to recognition: Is recognition possible for me with my qualification? What is the appropriate reference occupation? How and where do I apply for recognition? Which documents are necessary? What level of German language skills do I need to have? Where can I learn German? How do I find a job? ProRecognition helps applicants to find a job and supports them throughout the entire process. The project also provides a range of offers to help prepare for migration. This includes, among other things, application training, help with writing CVs, and intercultural training. The goal of ProRecognition is to provide skilled workers with the best possible preparation for living and working in Germany and to make it easier for them to enter their professions.

Those wishing to use the advisory services should arrange an appointment in advance and find out which documents they need to bring with them. Further information about ProRecognition and about the individual counselling centers abroad is provided on the AHK and DIHK Service GmbH websites.

Brochures Cover ProRecognition Recognition Workbench two men
ProRecognition / DIHK Services, 2023

ProRecognition takes stock

ProRecognition has been advising on recognition worldwide since 2015: The DIHK brochure on the conclusion of the 2nd funding phase offers success stories from 10 countries and data on project activities.

At which locations is ProRecognition represented?

ProRecognition is currently represented at the following Chambers of Commerce Abroad (AHK) locations: Algeria, Brazil, Colombia, Egypt, India, Indonesia, Philippines, Morocco and Turkey.

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Locations of ProRecognition counselling

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Who is the local contact person for ProRecognition?

Counselling at these locations is free of charge:

AHK Egypt

Contact details of the counselling centre

AHK Algeria

Contact details of the counselling centre

The AHK Algeria also provides counselling to professionals from the following countries:

AHK Brazil

Contact details of the counselling centre

AHK India

Contact details of the counselling centre

AHK Colombia

Contact details of the counselling centre

The AHK Colombia also provides counselling to professionals from the following countries:

AHK Indonesia

Contact details of the counselling centre

AHK Philippines

Contact details of the counselling centre

AHK Morocco

Contact details of the counselling centre

AHK Turkey

Contact details of the counselling centre

 

Furthermore, the following former ProRecognition locations have been offering chargeable counselling services since 2024:

AHK Italy

Contact details of the counselling centre

AHK Vietnam

Contact details of the counselling centre

 

ProRecognition in figures

From the start of the project in 2015 through to the end of the second project phase in 2023, the ProRecognition sites have carried out around 30,500 advisory sessions. Over 8,600 individuals have applied for recognition and 2,100 skilled workers are now working in Germany.

Note: This information is based, among other things, on voluntary feedback from the individuals who have received advice. The actual number of recognitions or statements of comparability and of jobs started in Germany may be higher.

What do professionals say about ProRecognition?

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Mohamed Hossam Ramadan, train driver from Egypt

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„The recognition process was made much easier with the support of ProRecognition. The recognition advisors helped me with the application and were on hand to answer any questions I had. At the information event, they explained to us why recognition is necessary and approximately how long the process takes. We also received comprehensive support when applying for the visa. I received partial recognition and will compensate for the differences by completing a refresher training at Deutsche Bahn in Munich.“

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Hamadi Samet Fatma Zohra, General nurse from Algeria

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„When I took part in the introductory event with ProRecognition and the Welcome Centre Sozialwirtschaft Baden-Württemberg in July 2023, I had no idea how quickly everything would change. Without the support of ProRecognition, I probably wouldn't have made it to Germany. My counsellor helped me prepare the necessary documents and prepare specifically for the interview at the introductory event. This removed many bureaucratic hurdles and made it easier for me to start my new life.“

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Nafdja Amira Bakhouche, midwife from Algeria

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„I found my dream employer thanks to the joint ‘getting to know you’ event run by ProRecognition and the Welcome Center Sozialwirtschaft Baden-Württemberg. ProRecognition in Algeria was there to give support throughout the entire recognition process, from compiling the documents to helping with the visa. I am a passionate midwife and now I can be a passionate midwife in Germany too."“

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José Fernando Pulido Jiménez, mechanical engineer from Colombia

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„With the help of the ProRecognition team in Colombia, my family and I made the leap to Germany. We received great advice. I secured an embassy appointment for the Blue Card with ease. The support from the project was irreplaceable - I would recommend anyone with similar plans to contact ProRecognition.“