Boosting Apprenticeship Opportunities with Labor Market Coaches
Over the last two and a half years, nearly 2,800 young individuals have completed an apprenticeship in the skilled trades and 175 in the hospitality sector in Rhineland-Palatinate, thanks to the assistance of labor market coaches. This is part of the current collaboration agreement, with over 5,300 young people benefiting from the project. As reported by Minister of Economic Affairs Daniela Schmitt (FDP), approximately 24% of the participants had a background of migration and relocation
Since 2014, the Ministry of Economic Affairs, along with the Federal Employment Agency, has been financing coaching services for traineeship placements within the Rhineland-Palatinate Crafts Chambers. These coaches support job seekers, both with and without a migration history, in finding an apprenticeship or entry-level position in the skilled trades. The program originally started in the hotel and catering sector in 2018
The skilled trades and hospitality sectors have faced difficulties in hiring young talent, which is crucial for securing their future businesses. To address these challenges, the Ministry of Economic Affairs has allocated resources to address the skills shortage by providing coaching support. Presently, Rhineland-Palatinate Crafts Chambers employ 21 coaches, while the Hotel and Restaurant Association (Dehoga) employs an additional three
Labor market coaches play an essential role in helping young people, whether with or without a migration background, secure employment through apprenticeships or initial qualifications. By utilizing several strategies, they can improve the chances of successful placement and integration into the workforce, such as:
Personalized Coaching and Feedback
One-on-one employment counselling and coaching services like the STE-Trade Starter Program offer comprehensive pre-apprenticeship training and skill development. This personalized support helps individuals overcome barriers to entering the job market and improves their employability skills, making them more attractive to employers
Realistic Training Environments
Mock interviews and realistic environments, such as those provided by Client Centric, help candidates gain hands-on experience and reduce anxiety before an actual interview. Young people with migration backgrounds can especially benefit from this type of practice, which can improve their self-confidence and prepare them more effectively for opportunities in the job market
Targeted Strategies and Employer Insights
Specific skill training for targeted job roles, like that offered by the STE-Trade Starter Program, can equip participants with the necessary skills and credentials required for employment. This ensures that young people are well-prepared for the job market and can bridge the gap between marginalized individuals and industries facing a lack of skilled workers
Integration Support
Programs like Canada’s Foreign Credential Recognition Program provide assistance to newcomers by streamlining the credential recognition process, ensuring that their skills are recognized in the job market. This is especially important for young people with migration backgrounds, who may struggle with credential recognition due to language barriers or cultural differences
Inclusive Workforce Development
Labor market coaches contribute to creating a more inclusive and skilled workforce by providing fully funded training, personal protective equipment, and job search skills training. Programs such as the STE-Trade Starter Program promote economic growth and development at both individual and community levels, making the workforce more diverse and equitable
By utilizing these strategies, labor market coaches can effectively help young people with migration backgrounds overcome barriers to employment and expand their opportunities in the job market. This, in turn, can lead to a more inclusive and skilled workforce, while also addressing the talent shortage in critical sectors such as skilled trades and hospitality.
