Innovative Business Models For Enhancing Expat Youth Employment In Germany

Abstract

The subject of this study was innovative business models to improve expat youth employment in Germany. The objective of the research was to define the key challenges to youth employment of expats, discuss innovative business models to enhance youth workforce participation, and reflect on institutional approaches to professional integration and career continuity of expat youth in Germany. The research approach used was qualitative with descriptive research design. Qualitative data were gathered using qualitative interviews, a variety of semi- structured interviews, with expat youth, employers, vocational training institutions, representatives from social enterprises, HR professionals and policy makers engaged in workforce integration programs in Germany. Twenty participants were chosen using the purposive sampling technique, who had knowledge and experience in the employment and integration of expats. Thematic analysis was used for the analysis of the collected data. The findings revealed that the language barrier, cultural differences, limited professional networks, bureaucratic procedures, and lack of local work experience were the major issues that expat youth encountered when seeking sustainable employment opportunities. The study also revealed that vocational education and training, entrepreneurship programmes, digital employment platforms and public–private partnerships played a major role in enhancing the employability and integration of the young expats into the labour market. The development of institutions in cooperation between government authorities, education institutions, industry and social enterprises was presented as a successful approach to sustainable employment and social inclusion. The study found that innovative and inclusive business models are key to improve the participation of young expats in the labor market, their economic independence and their future career prospects in Germany. The research suggested enhancing the vocational training systems, entrepreneur support programs, inclusive recruitment policies and institutional collaboration to boost the integration of expat youth in the labor market and their employment opportunities.