Welding components and assemblies

Overview of the MySkills test for metal technicians specializing in construction technology. © Bertelsmann Foundation

The participant can achieve a maximum of four points in each of the fields of activity and thus show what kind of work they are qualified to do: One point qualifies them as a semi-skilled worker, two points as an experienced helper, three as a qualified worker and four points as a skilled worker.

Menge: "It is important to interpret the results of the test correctly. Because the test is difficult. If someone comes with a test result of two points in one area of activity, then employers can already deploy this candidate in this area under supervision. With three points in individual fields of activity, you have someone who can really do something and can be directly deployed independently. For someone like this, the path to becoming a specialist is not far away. Four points is only achieved by a top skilled worker or perhaps an A candidate from vocational school."

For companies, MySkills is an opportunity to find skilled workers outside the set norms. "For employers, the MySkills test increases the likelihood that an applicant already has compatible skills in certain fields of activity," says Menge. "In future, employers can also make specific inquiries at the employment agency or job center if they are looking for someone with certain skills. This means they have a lower investment when looking for employees, the risk of a bad hire is reduced and they can find employable talent that they would otherwise never have found due to the language barrier."

Post-qualification possible

MySkills does not replace a qualified degree, that much is certain. However, the vocational test offers people with no qualifications the opportunity to find a job based on their skills. As a rule, companies submit requests for skilled workers to the employment agency. This agency carries out the MySkills tests and suggests workers to the companies on the basis of the test results. In addition, the test participants themselves are given a job-specific test sheet with their results, which they can use to send unsolicited applications to companies.

There is then the opportunity for further training in the job itself. However, post-qualification in the fields of activity is the responsibility of the company; the employment agency can provide support if required. Test participants can take examinations through further training either within the company or via the Chamber of Industry and Commerce - right up to the final examination in the respective occupations.

First success stories

The test has already proven that it works in practice. However, the initiators do not expect the first reliable figures until next year. However, examples show that MySkills is a success: MAN relied on the test procedure as part of the integration of refugees and was thus able to recruit qualified specialists (see videos below)

Frank Menge is also convinced of the success of the tests: "People who can do something are desperately needed everywhere. And MySkills shows very precisely what people can do in a job, even if they don't have a certificate."

Get active!

If you are interested in MySkills, we recommend the employment agency's website: arbeitsagentur.de/myskills. On the site you will find information about the tests, for which occupational groups the tests are already available and contact points for questions and requests. If you cannot find the test for the occupational group you require, you can also take action yourself: Talk to the person responsible about the missing test or join forces with several companies and request a test in the occupational field you need. In the past, this has accelerated the development of one or two MySkills tests! So: Get active!

Further links:

www.myskills.de

www.arbeitsagentur.de/myskills

www.bertelsmann-stiftung.de/myskills