Funding of "Start Guides" to Support the Recruitment and Integration of International Skilled Workers in Companies in Lower Saxony

Funding of "Start Guides" is an innovative funding program by the state of Lower Saxony aimed at supporting the recruitment and integration of international skilled workers into companies. Cross-company Start Guides accompany companies and internationally immigrated individuals in bringing together actors interested in training or employment. The Start Guides take on tasks such as providing informative support, personal accompaniment during operational integration processes, and conveying information about supplementary advisory and funding services. The program thus supports an important integrative process by addressing both the needs of companies with skilled labor requirements and the individual circumstances of international immigrants.

This initiative is funded as a non-repayable grant covering up to 90% of eligible expenses – for example, actual personnel costs up to the average rate of pay group 13 TV-L, external consultancy fees, as well as flat-rate administrative expenses. The project duration is generally a maximum of 24 months, allowing sufficient time for sustainable implementation and evaluation of the measures. Eligible to apply are legal entities under public or private law based in Lower Saxony with experience in labor market-related integration work. Central coordination projects that support statewide coordination and quality assurance of labor market promotion are also considered. Through the deployment of cross-company Start Guides, a bridge is built between companies and international immigrants to link both operational and personal success factors in integration.

The funding program aims to offer pragmatic solutions to the challenges of a globalized labor market. In addition to promoting individually accompanied integration measures, quality assurance plays a crucial role – for example, ensured by meeting specific quality criteria such as presenting the initial situation, clearly defined objectives, and a coherent communication and moderation concept. Applicants must also demonstrate secured overall project financing and adhere to fixed application deadlines, which are usually March 31 and September 30 of each year. Overall, the program represents an attractive funding opportunity for organizations actively contributing to the integration of international skilled workers in Lower Saxony, while simultaneously providing a structured framework for the successful implementation of projects.