German shipbuilder Meyer Werft and the Johannesburg educational institution in Surwold are expanding their collaboration by further developing already existing work for the integration of young people from socially disadvantaged backgrounds.
The program offers refugees from various crises regions opportunities to further qualification and, with this, integrate into society, the shipbuilder said.
In the first step, around 30 people will be accepted into the program which could start as soon as autumn 2015. With this concept for qualification as a “Metal technology specialist”, these individuals are given the opportunity to prepare themselves for and qualify in a recognized training profession.
The strengths of both cooperation partners are united in one concept: the Johannesburg education institution focuses on integration and language skills, looks after traumatized refugees and also communicates the content of the metal technology specialist training in practical and theoretical modules. Meyer Werft, meanwhile, offers practical experience and a structured vocational training to enable the refugees to study for a training qualification such as construction mechanic later on.
The management and training supervisors at Meyer Werft, as well as the management of Johannesburg, see this measure as setting the right signal to help people in the current situation and offer them a perspective for the future.