Electricians from abroad - Recognition of the certification of qualifications
The shortage of skilled labour is here, and not just in Germany. It is spreading in many countries and, like these countries, Germany is also in the process of paving the way for foreign skilled workers. However, this also means that their certifications must be recognised. New laws and regulations are being created to make it easier to hire electricians from other countries.
How does the Skilled Immigration Act simplify access to the German labour market for electricians from abroad?
The Skilled Labour Immigration Act, which is now coming into force, is designed to simplify the process of recruiting electricians from abroad. This begins with facilitating access to various professions. This means that qualifications from abroad should also make it possible to find a similar job here in Germany. This applies to the exact same professions as the qualification, as well as professions that are related to them.
Academic qualifications will also be given broader access to professions. This means that they too can work in the fields for which they have studied and in professions that are related to these fields. This means that electrical engineers can now also carry out a wider range of activities in Germany.
For the job search itself, entry to Germany is now made easier. However, this requires that the qualification itself is recognised and that German language skills at level B1 can be demonstrated.
Trial jobs of up to 10 hours per week can now be carried out during the job search. This allows job seekers within Germany to gain their first experience in a company and prove themselves there.
It is now possible for employers to apply for an accelerated procedure for skilled workers. This means that skilled workers from third countries can be recognised in just 2 months. This means that foreign electricians can now enter Germany more quickly.
It is now also possible to obtain a residence permit in Germany for qualification measures. This allows the differences in qualifications between the skilled worker's home country and Germany to be equalised. It is also possible to work in a profession alongside the qualification programme.
The residence options have been extended. This means that the residence permit for skilled workers for qualification programmes has been extended from 18 to 24 months. This also takes into account the long waiting periods that often precede examinations.
In addition, placement agreements can be concluded with the BA. This allows electricians to enter Germany before the recognition procedure has even begun. However, the BA must make an agreement with the labour administration of the country of origin for this.
The foreign qualification certificates for the electrical trade
With the globalisation of the labour market, skilled workers from other countries can also use their experience and certificates to work in Germany. Here they fill the gaps in the labour market that are increasingly emerging. However, this also poses challenges, particularly in terms of how these foreign qualifications should be handled.
Many different countries means different training systems and different standards for training. It is difficult to determine how thorough the checks are and to what extent the documents proving the qualifications fulfil German requirements.
Both the standards of testing and compliance with German requirements are important, because the same things are at stake here. Safety in the workplace must be ensured. This applies both to the work itself and to the result of the work. This means that there must be no risk to personnel and other people in the vicinity either during or after the installation. There must also be no risk of damage to property, which can easily reach very great heights.
Good training minimises the risks and dangers. However, if this training is proven, this does not mean that the training itself was carried out abroad with the necessary care. The company must therefore ensure that the skilled worker actually has the technical skills, understanding and due care required to work in this country.
Qualifications that are inaccurate or that are believed too quickly can lead to a safety risk. However, the risk does not always have to result in personal injury or extensive damage to property. It can also manifest itself in inaccurate or inadequate work, which then leads to damage to the company's reputation.
This means that it is in everyone's interest to ensure that the new employees actually meet the required standard at all times and everywhere. They must also be familiar with German standards and regulations and have the sense of responsibility to comply with them.
What the qualification consists of
There are several building blocks in the electrical trade that determine whether an employee is qualified for the tasks and work of an electrician or not. It all starts with training. This serves to impart the specialist knowledge for the profession and to create a standardised basic knowledge that can later be used for all work.
After completing their training, electricians must be able to install various electrical systems safely and efficiently. They must also be able to maintain and repair these systems. Training in Germany is governed by the provisions of the Vocational Training Act and the Crafts Code. These regulations provide the framework that applies to training. But that is by no means all.
In order to actually be able to work as an electrician or in the trades in general, experience is also important. For this reason, training to become an electrician in Germany is a dual programme, which means that the training itself provides work experience in a company.
After training, it is also important to keep pace with developments on the labour market and in technology as part of your professional experience. This means that the skills acquired during training must be utilised and constantly expanded. They make it possible for the person concerned to work independently and be able to find solutions and recognise and avoid dangers at an early stage.
Further training courses must also be attended in order to update specialist knowledge. These serve, among other things, to convey the latest standards and safety regulations, as well as the technical changes to the systems.
It is important for employers to be aware of their responsibility here. He selects the employees and is responsible for their work. They must therefore assess whether they have the necessary knowledge from their training and professional experience and whether they have continuously developed this knowledge.
If this responsibility is forgotten or only half-heartedly fulfilled, there is a risk of inefficient work in the workplace. There are also risks to the safety of those involved and the subsequent users of the electrical installations.
The employer is therefore obliged to check the qualifications. This is done not only by looking at the certificates, but also by testing the employee in the field. The employee must be monitored, at least initially, to determine whether they are able to carry out the required work with the necessary care, in the right way and with the necessary quality.
TRBS 1203 also plays a role in the assessment of the employee. These are the regulations for the qualifications and experience required to carry out work on electrical systems and equipment. In this context, § 2(6) of the BetrSichV, the regulations on operational safety, must also be observed. These require that electrical systems are inspected by persons who have the appropriate qualifications. This is intended to avoid hazards and legal risks.
What is important for a qualified electrician
DIN VDE 1000-10 describes the requirements for a qualified electrician. They must be familiar with the relevant standards and be able to assess work on electrical engineering and recognise the associated potential hazards. This means that this person must have sufficient technical knowledge to work on electrical engineering and assess the safety of the work. The knowledge must not only be theoretical. The person must also have the associated practical skills.
To ensure that a person is a qualified electrician, it is not enough for them to have completed specialised training. Rather, it is also important that formal, theoretical training has taken place. Furthermore, this must be accompanied by practice-orientated training sections.
The training must at least meet the standards that also apply to German training. This means that at least the same content must be taught. More content is not a problem, but less is not permitted.
In addition, the person must have demonstrated in the practical part that they can also put the theoretical knowledge into practice. In other words, they must have shown that they can actually work.
The training must be followed by several years of work in the relevant field. As a qualified electrician, sufficient professional experience is essential. This demonstrates that the person is able to handle standardised tasks and is also able to master new and complex challenges.
It is also important to distinguish between a skilled worker and a highly qualified specialist. Skilled workers have the training and experience to carry out various basic tasks in the field of electrical engineering. Highly qualified specialists, on the other hand, are able to take on complex tasks. This primarily includes working on more sophisticated systems. To do this, they have specialised knowledge in these areas. The difference results from the breadth and depth of training.