VDI-Xpand promotes the sustainable integration of migrant engineers into the German labour market and contributes to securing skilled labour. The project primarily focuses on international engineers with academic qualifications.
A key challenge is the development of formats that facilitate the transition into professional employment. VDI-Xpand therefore aims to strengthen transversal competencies that are essential for entering the labour market. These include orientation within professional environments and the acquisition of implicit cultural knowledge, such as unwritten workplace norms and expectations. Through mentoring and qualification measures, the project supports the development of soft skills and promotes the long-term labour market participation of migrant professionals.
Who benefits
The programme’s activities – under the motto “VDI-Xpand. Building bridges for migrant engineers” – are designed for migrant engineers with foreign or German academic degrees, and international engineering students in advanced semesters.
How it works
The core element of the project is a mentoring programme that combines various exchange and learning formats to support career development and create networking opportunities. The programme is designed to run for approximately 6 months.
At the beginning, participants strengthen their competencies for entering the engineering labour market in Germany through different training and orientation formats. Throughout the programme, mentees have the opportunity to further develop and consolidate their skills through networking events, company visits, and online qualification measures. The programme is complemented by continuous professional exchange and guidance provided by an experienced mentor. Participation requires residence in North Rhine-Westphalia. The programme is free of charge.
- Project duration
- 1 Jan 2023 - 31 Dec 2028
- Project locations
- Germany
- Project website
- VDI Verein Deutscher Ingenieure e.V. (VDI)
- Topic
- EU funding
Results
Migrant engineers and international engineering students are supported to find employment that matches their professional qualifications and in building a sense of belonging in Germany. A significant number of participants have already successfully entered the labour market.
During the funding period 2023–2025, a total of 136 participants were supported. In 2025, 41 mentees and 37 mentors participated in the programme and, ultimately, more than one third of participants that year were able to find a job, an internship, or further training.
Evaluation
An official evaluation of the project has not yet been made publicly available.
Funding and resources
The project is funded within the framework of the funding programme IQ – Integration through Qualification by the German Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs and the European Union through the European Social Fund Plus (ESF Plus), and is administered by the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees. Implementation partners include the Federal Ministry of Education, Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth and the Federal Employment Agency.