The second round of the “ITTQ Water (Engineering Technical Transfer Qualification)” project recently came to a successful end with a small closing event. The project, a cooperation between Hof University of Applied Sciences and the Kompetenznetzwerk Wasser und Energie e.V., makes an important contribution to securing skilled workers in Northern Bavaria’s water sector – and opens up new career prospects for people with a refugee or migrant background.
The shortage of skilled workers in the Bavarian water industry is blatant – this is confirmed by municipalities, utilities, authorities and water and wastewater technology companies alike. “Many of the highly specialized tasks can hardly be handled anymore because the few experts are busy with standard tasks,” explains Walter Friedl from the Kompetenznetzwerk Wasser und Energie e.V. (Water and Energy Competence Network).
We have to find new ways to keep our infrastructure fit for the future – especially in view of the challenges of climate change.”
Walter Friedl, Kompetenznetzwerk Wasser und Energie e.V.
People with a technical background and a migration or refugee background have a potential that has hardly been exploited to date. This is where the ITTQ project comes in.
Practical qualification with prospects
As part of an intensive course lasting several weeks, suitable participants received further technical training that qualified them for lateral entry into the Bavarian water industry. The content was mainly taught online by Hof University of Applied Sciences and supplemented by practical phases in companies.
Our aim was not only to provide the participants with the necessary knowledge, but also to familiarize them with the professional world of water management.”
Michael Schmidt, Research Associate (inwa)
Project team member Viktoriya Tarasyuk adds:
At the same time, we have made a valuable contribution to securing skilled workers in Bavaria.”
Viktoriya Tarasyuk, Hof University of Applied Sciences
Employers as the key to success
A central component of the project was the close cooperation with companies and organizations in the water industry. They not only provided practical placements, but also supported the courses with their expertise. Without this willingness, the success of the project would not have been possible. “We would like to thank all partners who contributed – whether with internships or content input,” says Friedl. “This direct contact between participants and companies is essential for successful integration.”
Sustainable impetus for integration and qualification
After the first round in 2024, 23 people took part in the second round. The findings from the pilot phase were used in a targeted manner to further improve the quality and structure of the training. The closing event was marked by a great deal of gratitude and emotion – both on the part of the participants and the organizers. “It was impressive to see how much commitment, team spirit and motivation the participants showed,” summarizes Michael Schmidt. Some of them are already in talks with their internship companies about a longer-term collaboration. “We will remain in contact with everyone involved,” emphasizes Walter Friedl. “Because our common goal is clear: to make the water industry in Bavaria fit for the future – with qualified, motivated specialists from all over the world.”
Funding
The ITTQ project was funded by the European Social Fund (ESF) in Bavaria through the Bavarian State Ministry for Family, Labor and Social Affairs.
