Funding Program "Integration through Qualifcation" (Integration durch Qualifizierung -IQ)
In 2015, around 17.1 million people with a migrant background lived in Germany. That corresponds to 21% of the total population of Germany. Many factors lead to people with a migration history being about twice as likely to be affected by unemployment as people without a migration background. In recent years, Germany has seen a growing influx of new immigrants - especially from the EU countries and the crisis regions of the world. Many of them have vocational qualifications or other valuable qualifications that are often not recognized in this country. At the same time, shortages of skilled workers are becoming increasingly noticeable in Germany.
The Mission of the "Integration through Qualification (IQ)" Funding Program
In this context, all potentials, especially those of people with a migration history, must be harnessed. The "Integration through Qualification (IQ)" funding program has been working since 2005 on the objective of improving labor market opportunities for people with a migration background. In the funding period 2015 - 2018, the program will be expanded to include the "ESF Qualification in the Context of the Recognition Act" as the main focus. It is of central interest that professional qualifications acquired abroad - regardless of the residence permit - more often lead to a job adequate for education.
The perception of people with a migrant background is often characterized by deficits. It is not only important for a diverse society to raise awareness of the potential of immigrants and reduce discrimination, but also for the successful integration of people with a migrant background in the labor market. Building and anchoring intercultural competence among the labor market players is therefore still a central concern of the IQ funding program.
The Structure of the IQ Funding Program
The regional implementation of the funding program is the central task of the 16 state networks. They are each headed by a state coordinator and comprise further operational subprojects. They offer comprehensive recognition and qualification advice for those seeking advice with foreign qualifications, develop tailor-made adaptable qualifications and implement them. In addition, they assume service functions for labor market actors by sensitizing them to the specific concerns of migrants through information, advice and training and by providing them with specialist know-how.
Besides the state networks, there are five IQ Offices that deal with migration-specific topics nationwide They are responsible for the technical advice and support of the state networks. They develop qualification concepts, instruments and implementation recommendations for the professional integration of people with a migration history In addition, they are responsible for providing decision-makers in politics, business and administration with expert advice. This may include the design of quality standards, qualifications and training materials or the dissemination of scientific findings.
The Cooperation of the IQ Funding Program
At the federal level, the funding program is organized through the IQ Multiplier Project Transfer (MUT IQ). MUT IQ supports the cooperation between the actors in the program, promotes the transference of good practice within and outside the program and ensures the effective public representation of the IQ funding program. It communicates the results of IQ's work to the ministries, the Federal Employment Agency and the professional public together with the specialist departments. "Recognition in Germany" (Anerkennug in Deutschland) is the German government's multilingual portal for the recognition of foreign professional qualifications. The project works in close cooperation with the IQ funding program.
The program is funded by the Federal Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs (BMAS) and the European Social Fund (ESF). The Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) and the Federal Employment Agency (BA) are partners in the implementation.
