In the atrium, House of Economy, Economics Minister Jürgen Barke emphasized before around 70 entrepreneurs the opportunities that lie in the recruitment and integration of international skilled workers. The state government will create a comprehensive service structure with the advisory office "Saarwork International" to support the Saarland economy in closing the skilled worker and labor gap in Saarland, according to Barke. As part of the skilled worker summit, the minister also announced the new competition "Welcome Star," which will award the welcoming and integration culture of companies in Saarland. Interested companies can now submit their applications until February 14, 2025.
The number of applications in HR departments is steadily decreasing, and many positions remain vacant for a long time. I particularly want to support small and medium-sized enterprises in Saarland in optimally responding to these changes and successfully recruiting trainees and skilled workers. Attracting international employees and integrating them into the corporate culture can be an important component of securing skilled labor. The award of the Welcome Star quality seal is intended to help Saarland entrepreneurs improve their international visibility and thereby generate a real competitive advantage.
Minister of Economic Affairs Jürgen Barke
At the skilled labor summit, the companies Spektral-Haus GmbH, Müllenbach Reisen GmbH, as well as Montum GmbH and Co. KG reported on how they are already successfully attracting and retaining international skilled and labor workers. These best practice examples are also intended to help other companies increase their employer attractiveness.
The competition "Welcome Star" continues this approach: Saarland companies can present their successful practical examples of integrating international skilled workers into their operations. A quality seal (Welcome Star) as well as an award will be given for a placement. A panel of experts from the chambers of commerce, the labor chamber, the State Council for Integration and Participation, and the Ministry of Economic Affairs will award prizes of 10,000 euros each for the best concept and a total prize of 15,000 euros for the best placement across all categories.
Information and application for the Welcome Star competition can be found by interested companies at: https://www.buergerdienstesaar.de/jfs/findform?shortname=Welcome_Star&formtecid=3&areashortname=mwaev_a4
