"We say: We'll find a solution."

© Evangelischer Verband Kirche-Wirtschaft-Arbeitswelt e. V.

The Welcome Center Hannover provides advice on the integration of international skilled workers and trainees. For its director, Tornike Murtskhvaladze, and consultant, Tatia Chkhenkeli, this is not just a matter of business. They also want to alleviate people's fears and promote their local networking.

Can you prepare people for the cultural differences they will encounter when they come to Germany?

Tornike Murtskhvaladze: As part of the THAMM program, skilled workers are required to undergo intercultural training. And we always offer training courses for companies and skilled workers alike.

Tatia Chkhenkeli: Skilled workers are prepared for this in their home country, but they only really understand the differences once they are here. You can try to put on your intercultural glasses, but intercultural competence cannot be learned in theory alone.

How does integration work in Germany, both at work and outside of work?

Tornike Murtskhvaladze: Ultimately , how successful integration is depends a lot on the commitment of the person themselves, but also on the employer. We can create support services for both sides. A key factor for integration is language. Many international skilled workers need additional language support. We provide information about relevant services and help them find suitable courses, for example, we arrange inexpensive vocational language courses funded by the BAMF. However, integration also involves social and local networking. If someone wants to play sports or is looking for a dance class, we can also help. Unfortunately, we are rarely approached about such issues—often, skilled workers only come to us when a problem has arisen. It is not uncommon for us to hear statements such as, "We hardly have any friends; we mainly socialize with our compatriots."

Read the entire interview here: 

"We say: We'll find a solution." | Migration moves us