As part of a further education project, Hof University of Applied Sciences is successfully training refugees and migrants for jobs in the Bavarian water industry, as skilled workers are desperately needed in this sector. So far, two 15-week courses have been aimed specifically at people with a refugee or migrant background who are currently receiving citizens’ benefits. The aim of the project is to provide participants with practical insights and professional qualifications in order to improve their chances on the job market. The program, which is carried out in cooperation with the Kompetenznetzwerk Wasser und Energie e.V., is now to be further adapted and expanded to meet the expectations of the economy.
The ITTQ project has so far comprised two runs, during which participants were also able to complete work placements. The first course took place in summer 2024 and included a two-week internship, which was divided into two one-week sections. The internships were organized by the Kompetenznetzwerk Wasser und Energie e.V., which has close ties to the local economy, in close cooperation with the Hof University of Applied Sciences project team for both runs. Internships were offered in industrial companies, municipal utilities, municipal administrations and engineering offices.
“We were able to provide a large number of internships and would like to thank all participating internship companies as well as the job centers of the employment agencies, which suggested suitable participants and were available as contact persons.”
Walter Friedl, Competence Network Water and Energy e.V.
Interesting excursions
Hof University of Applied Sciences offered an alternative program for participants who were unable to find an external internship despite their best efforts. This included excursions to companies such as WILO Hof, Fernwasserversorgung Oberfranken (FWO) in Steinwiesen and the Hof sewage treatment plant.
A particular highlight was the visit to the planned sponge region measure in Wirsberg and drone flights to analyze agricultural structures for sponge measures.”
Michael Schmidt, Project Coordinator Hof University of Applied Sciences
The program was supplemented by practical units in the so-called “sponge sta(d)tion” and in laboratories at the university campus in Hof. The participants also deepened their practical experience through project work on relevant topics.
Adapting the concept
The evaluation of the first course revealed that the one-week duration of the internships was perceived as too short by the companies. “This feedback led to a conceptual adjustment in the second run, which is currently taking place,” says Michael Schmidt. The internship is now offered as a continuous two-week block.
The alternative program for participants without an external internship has also been further developed. In addition to the tried-and-tested excursions, the program has been expanded to include a visit to the Hof volunteer fire department, which creates a direct link to the “Extinguishing water” lecture. In addition, participants now receive an introduction to the “Tandler” planning software as well as in-depth practical blocks. Project work remains an integral part of the second course to deepen practical experience.
Conclusion: Successful integration of practice and theory
According to the organizers, the further development of the internship concept demonstrates the successful integration of practical feedback into the program design and underlines the importance of continuous quality improvement. Through the combination of practice-oriented internships, excursions and project work, refugees and migrants not only gain professional qualifications, but also valuable insights into the professional world of water management. Hof University of Applied Sciences and the Kompetenznetzwerk Wasser und Energie e.V. are thus making an important contribution to professional integration and securing skilled workers in Bavaria.
