International nursing trainees in the Rhine-Neckar district: An opportunity program!

International nursing trainees in the Rhine-Neckar district: An opportunity program!

The search for international skilled nursing staff is taking on a new dimension in the Rhine-Neckar district. The innovative “Care & Stay!” project started in November 2022. from the Office for Schools, Culture and Sport, which introduces trainees from abroad to the Albert Schweitzer School in Sinsheim. The initiative aims to recruit up to 15 young people annually for general nursing training in order to address the urgent shortage of skilled workers in the nursing industry. Loud Rhine-Neckar district The project provides comprehensive support for care facilities that have to deal with questions relating to recognition procedures, residence permits, language support and finding accommodation.

The need is clear: ten trainees from Morocco, India and Cameroon have already been recruited in the 2025 training year. These young people are intensively supported from the first discussions through to the actual training. Not only does the language course play a central role, but also support when dealing with authorities and questions about the residence permit. Dr. Christian Mellwig, the headmaster of the Albert Schweitzer School, made a significant contribution to initiating the project, which is being funded by the Heidehof Foundation for three years.

A new language training concept

Another building block for the success of the international trainees is the integrated language training, which is part of the “Care & Stay!” project. is applied. This concept, as on the site of INGA care explains, combines subject and language learning through team teaching between subject and language teachers. It enables trainees to better understand subject matter while continuously improving their language skills. Varied lessons and quick feedback promote the learning process and thus integration into the nursing profession.

This close collaboration ensures that the future specialists are optimally prepared for the challenges of nursing. Team teaching supports teachers in expanding their teaching skills and offers trainees individual support opportunities. The long-term goal is to increase not only the professional competence but also the communication skills of the learners.

Future prospects and further application rounds

The “Care & Stay!” project wants to enable nursing facilities to independently recruit international skilled workers in the long term. A handbook for residence and recognition advice is also being developed. There is good news for those interested: The next round of applications for the 2026 training year begins in November 2025. The commitment of everyone involved clearly shows that nursing in the Rhein-Neckar district is on the right track, despite the difficulties caused by the shortage of skilled workers in finding new ways.

Although the issue of international nursing professionals is often in the headlines, active action is being taken in the region. The combination of administrative support, practice-oriented language courses and intensive support makes the project a showcase project for other regions. It remains to be seen what successes the program will bring and how it will benefit the nursing profession in the future.