Around 60 participants gathered yesterday at Schmalkalden University of Applied Sciences for the kick-off event of the WORTplus project to learn about the goals and focus areas of the ongoing project. The WORTplus project is a continuation of the previous WORT project, which expired at the end of 2025.
The aim of the project “Weltoffene Region Thüringens – WORT” (Thuringia's cosmopolitan region) was to strengthen intercultural openness in the model region of Schmalkalden-Meiningen and the surrounding area and to permanently integrate international skilled workers in southern Thuringia.
Various stakeholders gave welcoming speeches at yesterday's event, including Janine Lärz from the Thuringian Ministry of Social Affairs, Health, Labor, and Family. She emphasized that the sustainable integration and retention of international skilled workers is essential and is already being determined in everyday life. This is where the WORTplus project comes in. “The concept presented has convinced the state government and will therefore receive further funding of around 1.4 million euros,” said Lärz.
In his welcoming speech, Thomas Kaminski looked back and asked what the WORT project had achieved: “WORT is so much more. We were able to break down reservations among our own population.” Schmalkalden has become a cosmopolitan region. “After three years, it can't be over,” said Kaminski. Of course, not all goals have been achieved, but in terms of retaining skilled workers, the city is on the right track. “We still have a lot of work to do here, and companies need to open up even more.” Kaminski is certain that WORTplus will create the right conditions.
Retaining skilled workers starts during university studies
In her presentation, Simone Treiber from interculture e.V. provided insights into the strategic development of the project. “Skilled workers don't just leave, and they don't just stay,” she said in her introduction to the topic. “Skilled workers stay because of relationships – they need career prospects.” And that is exactly what the WORTplus project is all about: it takes structures to create bonds. However, many companies do not have the capacity to train new employees or take on international students. Retaining skilled workers is not a sure-fire success and starts during their studies. Rather, it is a process that involves many measures, such as internships or theses. WORTplus focuses on the transition from graduation to the workplace: “We rely on early and regular contact as well as binding and recurring practical events – on systematic support.” The goal is to support companies in this endeavor. And this requires alliances. “Retaining skilled workers is a task for the future,” said Treiber, concluding her inspiring presentation with these words.
Finally, the project team presented its six closely interlinked work packages: These include project coordination and impact management, diversity-sensitive organizational and personnel development, public relations and digital information services, meeting and networking formats, mentoring and training programs, and the transfer of proven approaches to other regions.
Further information on the project: www.hs-schmalkalden.de/hochschule/projekte-vorhaben/wortplus
