The following goals were pursued and achieved with the project: 1) Counteracting the shortage of skilled workers: The HWK Lübeck uses offers such as an internship abroad to show young people the attractiveness of apprenticeships in the skilled crafts sector. The offer of a stay abroad during and after training is a good way to attract especially high-performing young people to dual training. The aim was therefore to make the possibility of a traineeship abroad better known and, if possible, to institutionalise it. The project staff of the HWK should constantly draw attention to the possibility of an internship abroad during their company and school visits. In addition, this opportunity should continue to be publicised via e.g. vocational schools, district craft associations and guilds in the chamber area of the HWK Lübeck. 2) Consolidation and expansion of the international network of the Chamber of Skilled Crafts: The HWK has had an intensive partnership with the Chambre de Métiers et de l'Artisanat de la Vienne since 1971, from which the Franco-German apprentice exchange emerged in 1976. Since then it has taken place continuously in alternation and thus contributed to the deepening of the German-French friendship and to growing together in Europe. Since 2008, the HWK has been committed to the expansion of Since 2008, the HWK has been committed to expanding European cooperation to the Scandinavian region and other European countries through various projects that are handled in a separate International Projects department. A broad international network with vocational schools and other institutions from many European countries has been created. This network should be further maintained and expanded in order to consolidate mobility structures and make them a reality. 3) Increasing the number and quality of learning stays and attracting multipliers: Within the framework of various mobility projects in the department "International Projects", the HWK gives its member companies the opportunity to train their staff abroad and through good preparation at home. Continuous public relations work and consolidated mobility structures can ensure continuity and, if necessary, an increase in the number of stays abroad. So far, the focus has been primarily on the target group of trainees and associates, but in the future it should also increasingly address vocational training staff. Through their multiplier function, VET staff contribute on the one hand to passing on the knowledge gained abroad and thus to increasing the quality of training, and on the other hand to motivating trainees to spend time abroad by passing on their experience. The quality should also be kept in mind by using ECVET instruments (Europass, learning agreement, etc.). 4) Need for skilled workers with intercultural competence/creation of a welcoming culture: The foreign trade advisory service of the Lübeck Chamber of Trade and Industry advises on order processing abroad or the use of foreign subcontractors. In both areas, the need for internationally qualified skilled personnel has increased in recent years. This is related, among other things, to the developing fixed Fehmarnbelt link. Especially in our region, skilled workers with intercultural experience and employees who can work in international contexts and serve as intermediaries in cross-border business contacts will be needed in the foreseeable future. To counteract the shortage of skilled workers, companies are also increasingly receiving personnel from abroad. In order for them to integrate successfully into working life, a welcoming culture is needed, which can be shaped particularly well by employees who have gained their own experience abroad as part of their training or professional activity.
The HWK Lübeck has carried out the project to meet the demand for skilled workers with intercultural competence and knowledge of the foreign market as well as internationalisation. The foreign trade advisory service of the HWK advises companies on order processing abroad or the use of foreign subcontractors. In both areas, the demand has increased in recent years. This is connected, among other things, with the developing fixed Fehmarnbelt link. Especially in our region, skilled workers with intercultural experience and employees who can work in international contexts and serve as intermediaries will be needed in the foreseeable future. The HWK should continue to establish itself as an internationally active education provider in the region in order to provide very specific international qualifications for the above-mentioned target groups from the skilled crafts sector. This includes increasing the number and quality of learning stays and consolidating the international network. So far, the focus has been primarily on the target group of apprentices and young skilled workers, and the aim is to increasingly address vocational training staff in the future. Through their multiplier function, VET staff contribute on the one hand to passing on the knowledge gained abroad and thus to increasing the quality of training, and on the other hand to motivating trainees to spend time abroad by passing on their experience.