On 21 June, German economics minister Philipp Rösler launched the competition "Diversity. Growth. Prosperity." – an initiative being run by the Federal Ministry of Economics and Technology. The competition is looking for companies which, by embracing a culture of welcome at the workplace, are setting an example of how to successfully integrate foreign skilled professionals, thereby ensuring that they quickly feel at home at Germany. 

Companies with up to one thousand employees are eligible to take part in the competition and can submit their applications until 31 October this year. Minister Rösler stated, "Many companies have already been very successful in integrating international skilled professionals and serve as a role model for other companies. By running our competition, we want to give greater visibility to these examples of best practice and to motivate other companies to employ skilled professionals from abroad. 

Enlarge image German Minister of Economics and Technology, Philipp Rösler (© Thomas Imo/ photothek.net) "The recruitment of qualified personnel from abroad – in addition to raising our domestic potential – plays an important role in meeting our need for skilled labour. Only through this two-pronged approach can we ensure that the skills shortage does not slow down the pace of economic growth in Germany. It is therefore important that we make Germany an interesting place for intelligent minds from abroad and that we establish a new culture of welcome. Not only will the individual companies benefit from the integration of skilled professionals, but also our economy as a whole. Germany welcomes trained professionals from abroad!"

The "welcome website" www.make-it-in-Germany.com, which was launched by Minister Rösler in the beginning of June, provides important information for skilled professionals to help them start their professional and private life in Germany. The site includes information about the sectors in which skilled professionals are being sought and the necessary requirements they must meet in order to enter into employment in Germany.