At SPIE Photonics West in San Francisco, the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection (BMWK) presented a skills information module for the first time at its "German Information Stand". In cooperation with the German Industry Association Spectaris, the initiative aimed to attract international skilled workers to the German labor market.

The pilot project in San Francisco focused on the photonics industry, which has a high demand for qualified skilled workers. Interested academics learned about the simplified work and immigration opportunities to Germany.

The response to the new concept was positive. Both the BMWK and Spectaris drew a positive conclusion and are now considering continuing the project at other international trade fairs.

The STEM and skilled worker gap in Germany is growing. The Skilled Immigration Act is intended to pave the way for targeted measures to recruit skilled workers.