Leutkirch is fighting against a shortage of skilled workers: Cooperation with the Chamber of Crafts!

Leutkirch is fighting against a shortage of skilled workers: Cooperation with the Chamber of Crafts!

The shortage of skilled workers is an urgent problem that also severely affects the Leutkirch region. More and more companies are looking for qualified employees abroad to meet their needs. This makes the cooperation between the city of Leutkirch and the Ulm Chamber of Crafts even more important. As the screen newspaper reported, both institutions have agreed to cooperate to promote the entry and recognition of international skilled workers.

The processes surrounding the immigration of skilled workers are often lengthy and complex. In order to counteract these challenges, the Ulm Chamber of Crafts has taken on responsibility for providing initial advice to companies. The application documents are checked in advance, which should significantly speed up the entire process of skilled worker immigration.

Important support for companies

Mayor Dr. Daniel Gallasch emphasizes the importance of qualified specialists for the local economy. By working with recognized bodies, we also aim to reduce the number of incomplete applications and the associated queries. “We have a good hand for this initiative,” says Dr. Tobias Mehlich, General Manager of the Ulm Chamber of Crafts, who also emphasizes the opportunities in cooperation.

The Skilled Immigration Act, which came into force in 2020 and was further developed in 2023, forms the legal basis for the targeted recruitment of skilled workers from abroad. This law is not only intended to facilitate the migration of qualified workers, but at the same time presents companies and authorities with new challenges. The Federal Minister for Labor and Social Affairs has emphasized the need to reduce bureaucratic hurdles to enable faster employment.

Challenges and solutions

Current figures from Germany show that the immigration of qualified workers from non-EU countries has increased in recent years. The large number of academic specialists who often come to Germany via a Blue Card is evidence of this trend. The Statistics from the Federal Statistical Office show that from 2012 to 2022, almost 200,000 skilled workers with a Blue Card lived in Germany, and they also had a high retention rate.

But integration into the labor market remains challenging, especially for migrants from the Middle East or Africa. The numbers speak for themselves: Women in particular often have lower employment rates immediately after immigration. The approach of the city of Leutkirch and the Ulm Chamber of Crafts, which aims to improve the efficiency of the immigration office and the entire process of skilled immigration, is paying off here.

What happens next remains exciting, but it is clear that the course has already been set correctly. The cooperation between the city and the Chamber of Crafts could be the key to solving the shortage of skilled workers in the region and open up numerous opportunities for companies and immigrants.