„Campus of Generations“

DART-Conference

Demographic Change in Europe – Solutions for the Education, life-long learning, and job market

Prague, 2011-06-28

Kerstin Grothe-BenkensteinProjectmanager

UP Transfer GmbH at the University of PotsdamKnowledge and Technology Transfer

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Improvement of job opportunities of ageing unemployed people (graduates 50+)

Building up creativity and innovation ability of people at the age of 50+

Development of new ways for training of older work force to meet the job markets needs

To show the high potential of the target group (in times of skills shortage)

The Project - Objectives, Goals, Targets

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Initiator of the Project

Prof. Dr. Dieter WagnerVice-President for Knowledge and Technology Transfer at Potsdam University

Project was developed in the context of the programme “older unemployed/older work force – experience meets challenges” of the ministry for labour, social, family and women affaires of the federal state Brandenburg

Co-operation partners

University of Potsdam Chamber of Industry and Commerce; employment agency; trade associations

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The Project – Organizer and Partners

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Demographic change leads to a sharp increase of the population group aged 55 – 65 (+ 30%) until 2020

In 2020 this age group will be the strongest share (39%) of the employable population in Brandenburg

At the same time increasing demand of qualified employees that can’t be met by only young work force

In near future the production- and innovation process is to be managed by ageing and older labour force

New ways and methods for qualifying and training have to be developed to meet the companies needs of work force

The Project – Reasons and Motivations

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Unemployment in Brandenburg

55 +

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170.422

156.962

31.474

55.386

30.861

55.705

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1. Application (2 months before qualification starts)

2. Qualification (6 months – 1 semester)

Project Measures

Number of participants/group sizeAbout 12-15 participants (50+) and 12-15 students of Potsdam UniversityA ratio of 1:1 (participants: students) is to be aimedA regular team consists of two seniors and two students

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Project Measures

Practical work: Participants (50+ academics) and students of the University work on scientific and topical tasks that are verbalized by companies of Brandenburg

Academic courses at Potsdam University

Special workshops to train different soft skills and management competencies

Individual counseling & coaching

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Results

participantstotal

women „back to work“

totalwomen

company projects

summer term 2009 13 6 7 5 6

winter term 2009/2010 11 6 7 5 5

summer term 2010 19 6 10 4 8

winter term 2010/2011 14 7 6 2 6

total (target) 57 (52) 25 (31) 30 (26) 16 (16) 25

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Possibility for unemployed people to strenghten their soft skills and working abilities on an academic level (fresh & actual knowledge)

Enhancing the motivation for further job-seeking Getting back the feeling of “being wanted” by a company

Possibility for students to do practical work in a mixed-age team

Possibility for companies to find dedicated and skilled employees Companies learn about the high potential of skilled ageing people

Who benefits?Ageing unemployed peopleUniversity studentsCompanies

Added Value

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Qualified trainers and coaches,

Appropriate knowledge transfer on high academic level

Practical work with companies; „real“ projects → highly motivated participants

Utilization of existing networks (chamber of commerce, local politics, trade associations and other regional partners)

Commitment of Potsdam University and the regional employment agency

Factors of Success

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Obstacles

There has to be a close cooperation with the employment agency to recruit participants

The selection of the small companies involved has to be implemented very carefuly

The participation in university lectures and workshops and the feasibility of the creative team work has to be ensured

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Transferability

This project is easily transferable to other European regions.

Points to be considered: Suitable institution (University) to run the project Solid funding (no co-payment by the participants)Duration of the qualification: 6 monthMotivation of the participants to be qualified on an academic levelMotivation of the companies to accompany a team of students and unemployed graduatesEventually co-payment by the companies

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Standards and Indicators

Following standards and indicators are a good benchmark to evaluate the need of the project.

Possible Standards: How many open positions can not be filled and how many unemployed skilled people (50+) can not find a new job?

Possible Indicators: Number of open positionsNumber of unemployed academics (50+)Development of the unemployment rate 50+

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Summary

The project was directly caused by the demographic change in the region.

It aimed at finding solutions to meet the challenges of demographic change and skills shortage.

It is suitable to give unemployed skilled people (50+) a new professional perspective.

We hope to be able to continue this very successfull project in Brandenburg and wish to find numbers of imitators in all european regions affected by demographic change and skills shortage.

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Contact

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Thank you for your attention

Campus of Generations

UP Transfer GmbH at the University of PotsdamKnowledge and Technology TransferAm Neuen Palais 1014469 Potsdam

Telefon: 0049 (0) 331 977 1389www.campus-der-generationen.deemail: kegrothe@uni-potsdam.de