Currently, the priority of Ukraine aid in Germany is to secure the basic needs of the refugees who will reach Central Europe in large numbers for days and weeks to come. The challenges that this alone will pose for our society will be enormous. However, in order to enable these people to stay in Germany in the medium term in a dignified and self-determined manner and also to create a basis for a future for Ukraine after the war, it is necessary to let them arrive in our society as quickly and broadly as possible. It is important to integrate Ukrainians and refugees of other nationalities, who had their home in Ukraine, in their host countries also in the training and labor market. Ideally, refugees will be able to continue or begin vocational training or studies, complete relevant industrial internships or have the opportunity to pursue employment that matches their qualifications. The legal basis for this has already been created, so that Ukrainians and their non-Ukrainian family members are granted the right to stay and work.

As Composites United, we see it as our responsibility to also play a part in integration efforts. Therefore, we ask our members to explore relevant qualification and employment opportunities at their facilities. It is expected that the refugees bring with them a wide range of existing language skills, training and work experience – accordingly, different types of offers and opportunities are basically possible and reasonable. For example, a job or internship for a formally overqualified person can be a stepping stone to quickly learning the local language and creating a solid social environment, thus bringing them closer to their actual profession. Many young Ukrainians are also proficient in English, which would remove the biggest hurdle.

The rapid and unbureaucratic integration of refugees from Ukraine is also an opportunity for the German skilled labor market. Ukraine traditionally has a broad-based industry (including, for example, aerospace and fiberglass production) and a solid education in engineering and natural sciences, which, moreover, have a high proportion of women compared to Germany. This is worth mentioning, among other things, because many men will tragically not be able to leave their country. Therefore, a disproportionate number of women, children and teenagers under the age of 18 will arrive from Ukraine.

CU is first collecting suggestions from its members and welcomes any comments and initiatives that will serve to enrich this offer. In parallel, we will prepare a social media campaign and partnerships to create visibility for this initiative among refugees as well.

Please feel free to contact our colleague Martin Kretschmann with your offers, comments or even questions at any time:

Tel: +49 (0) 30 9599888-14
Mobile: +49 (0) 175 7353436
martin.kretschmann@composites-united.com

Thank you for your support!