Vocational Training and Therapeutic Care of Young Asylum Seekers and Refugees in Germany

Abstract

Against the background of the huge rise in the number of asylum seekers and refugees absorbed intoGerman society over the last couple of years this article examines the innovative Bavarian programmeof preparatory classes for asylum seekers between 16 and 21 years of age. The challenges faced byeducational and social work professionals working with this target group are documented alongsidethe particular resources which these highly-motivated young people as a rule bring with them.Specific requirements for psychotherapy professionals are addressed as well as a range ofrecommendations formulated by the author to enable the longer-term success of this vocationaltraining programme in integrating these young people into the German educational and employmentsystem. It has become apparent that a holistic approach to the lives of the target group byprofessionals in education, social work and therapy is necessary to enable young asylums seekers tocomplete vocational training successfully. Transitional management is a key part of the process ofsetting asylum seekers on the path to an apprenticeship. Coordination with the Labour Office, localauthority administration and local decision-makers are further parts of the equation. This must
intermesh with civil society engagement to provide the maximum use of resources giving youngrefugees access to training, the labour market and long term integration into German life.