Arbeitsförderung

Getting started with Job-Turbo

Information for refugees

There is currently a shortage of skilled workers in Germany. Refugees have excellent opportunities to enter the job market and shape their own career – especially after completing an integration course and with basic German skills. We want you to make the most of your opportunities.

Work means integration. That’s why we help refugees to find work quickly in Germany with Job-Turbo.

1. Finding a job

We help you get a job immediately after your integration course (from B1 or A2 level). There are around 1.7 million job vacancies in Germany, which is a great opportunity that we expect you to take advantage of. In some cases you only need basic language skills to apply. Get in touch with the Job Centres or the Federal Employment Agencies. We assist you on your way to finding a job. English skills are enough for some jobs.

2. Getting settled at work

Having a job is the best way to get settled in Germany. You can improve your language skills on the job and gradually build a social network. Contact with your colleagues is particularly helpful in this regard, as are on-the-job German language courses. If you want to work in your former profession, you get advice on the recognition procedure for your foreign vocational qualification now, if you have not yet done so. The Federal Employment Agencies and the Job Centres will continue to provide support and assistance in this phase.

3. Starting out

Being part of the job market means good future prospects in terms of integration, security and financial freedom. You can build on your vocational experience by attending on-the-job qualification and coaching courses or undertaking further training. You may also be able to switch to a permanent residence title for employment purposes. Take advantage of these opportunities and start working in Germany.

Important questions for benefit recipients

Who helps with the job search?

The Federal Employment Agencies and Job Centres can help you find a job. Visit the Federal Employment Agency’s job portal to find a wide range of job offers with just a few clicks.

How will I be supported when I enter the German job market?

The Job Centres are your first port of call. You will attend mandatory consultation appointments that help you in your job search and long-term career planning. Your planned goals and the necessary steps for a sustainable integration into the job market will be recorded in a cooperation plan. In regular meetings, your progress will be reviewed and you stay in contact with the Job Centre.

What coaching and qualification options do I have?

The Federal Employment Agencies and Job Centres offer you various vocational training and support options and find a suitable vocational language course for you if necessary. The KURSNET database features a comprehensive list of regional and national educational offers. Your Job Centre will support you in your search for a suitable training course.

Where can I get help with the recognition of my vocational qualifications acquired abroad?

In some cases you must have your foreign vocational qualifications officially recognised to practice it in Germany (the so-called regulated occupations, which include educators, care workers, medical doctors). Here you can check whether your occupation is regulated. If you want to practice your occupation, you should also make use of the recognition or certificate assessment procedure for non-regulated occupations to ensure that you find a suitable job and get paid accordingly.

These procedures can take a long time and should be initiated as early as possible. There are various authorities responsible for the recognition of foreign school, vocational and academic qualifications. The Job Centre is your first port of call. If you have specific questions, your integration specialist will refer you to the IQ (integration through qualification) network. The network offers recognition and qualification advice at regional level in all federal states. In addition, the recognition finder feature on the Recognition in Germany portal will help you find the relevant office and provide further information on vocational recognition.

How do I continue to learn German after the integration course?

If you would like to improve your German after the integration course, for example, to gain vocational recognition, you can attend a vocational language course, either in person or virtually. You can receive language support up to level C2, depending on requirements, prior knowledge and individual learning progress.