East Württemberg region, March 12, 2025.
Qualified skilled workers secure the long-term future of East Württemberg as a business location. Immigration from abroad is also a key factor in this. The Welcome Center Ostwürttemberg, together with the Wirtschaftsförderungsgesellschaft mbH Region Ostwürttemberg (WiRO), the Ostwürttemberg Chamber of Industry and Commerce, the Ulm Chamber of Crafts, and Aalen University, once again promoted the region to skilled workers and those interested in studying and researching worldwide under the title “Welcome to Ostwürttemberg.”
Steffen Kohnle, head of the Welcome Center Ostwürttemberg, presented the region and its economic sectors, emphasizing the good working and living conditions that skilled workers find here. He also highlighted the role of the Welcome Center as a competent point of contact for immigrants starting out in the region. Even though the economy is weak and international skilled workers are currently finding it difficult to attract employers, the region offers good long-term opportunities – for working, studying, researching, or training. The region of talent and patents offers a high quality of life.
Solveigh Gauditz, an employee of the Welcome Center and the International Center at Aalen University, presented the study opportunities and provided practical tips on studying and living. She also discussed the new English-language courses offered by Aalen University, what to consider when applying, and the welcoming offers that international students can find at the university. She also presented the study opportunities at other universities in the East Württemberg region.
Olusegun Emmanuel Okejimi from the East Württemberg Chamber of Industry and Commerce spoke about the opportunities offered by dual training and the extent to which the Skilled Workers Immigration Act needs to be taken into account. Oliver Weigel, who is responsible for the “Integration through Training” project at the Ulm Chamber of Crafts, added to his predecessor's remarks and made a career in the skilled trades appealing to the audience. “A skilled trade can be complex and challenging and demand a lot – this is often not known abroad. In addition, skilled trades offer economic security even for the self-employed – because skilled tradespeople are always in demand.”
Afterwards, many participants took the opportunity to ask questions about language, recognition, or job opportunities. Many listeners are already diligently learning German. “We sense the interest in Germany and our region,” says Steffen Kohnle. “On the one hand, we can help to realistically assess the expectations of those interested. At the same time, as the Welcome Center Ostwürttemberg, we can help to leverage this potential for the region.”
The organization team has already received initial inquiries from interested international professionals and prospective students and is providing individual advice. The team would be very pleased if one or two of them actually ended up moving to the region.
