Nursing job opportunities are increasingly opening in Germany, and Africa has been deemed a hub for the much-needed human resource in the coming years.
This is according to a research consortium that includes Kenyans who live and work in Germany.
According to the consortium, and other independent researchers, Germany is facing a significant shortfall of nurses in the coming years, due to its aging population.
Nurses deficit
Various studies estimate a deficit of between 400,000 and 600,000 vacancies by 2030, and the consortium is working on a mechanism to prepare Kenyan High School graduates for an apprenticeship in nursing in Germany.
In fact, it’s taking advantage of possible partnerships between German and Kenyan universities. In particular, the consortium is currently developing a concept to systematically prepare Kenyan high school graduates for an apprenticeship in nursing in Germany.
And institutions like Mount Kenya University have already struck a partnership with Hochschule Koblenz university in Germany to offer basic nursing certificate courses to prepare young Kenyans for apprenticeship in Germany.
“There are good nursing opportunities in Germany and young Kenyans are well-placed to grab the opportunities. They only need to be equipped with basic nursing skills to qualify for training and working in Germany as nurses. I encourage students who have the passion of becoming nurses to use this opportunity,” an official from MKU said.
As a requirement, candidates are based on aptitude testing as well as their high school grades and this is where such tailored nursing certificates come in handy.
Training in Kenya
Over a period of 6 to 20 months, depending on prior German language skills, German as a foreign language is supposed to be taught to a level of B2 proficiency as well as courses on German culture.
In addition, students are to receive a course in Basic Nursing Skills. Students will pay tuition fees similar to other certificate courses and successful graduates are guaranteed an apprenticeship at a German hospital.
The research consortium is already in advanced discussion with several German hospitals and hospital groups to collaborate in the training of prospective nurses in Germany.
According to the details of the arrangements, upon qualifying for the apprenticeship in Germany, students will enjoy the benefit of getting a student visa, a salary, and a guarantee of full-time employment after completing their training. For the training in Germany, students are not charged any tuition fee but are entitled to get a working contract for the training with a monthly salary to cater for the basic needs and accommodation.
Upon successful completion of the apprenticeship, students are guaranteed full-time employment in German hospitals exposing them to excellent career opportunities among other benefits.
Onboarding and life in Germany
During the preparation in Kenya and training in Germany, the consortium will support the students to successfully integrate into the training and working environment in German hospitals as well as organize mentors and buddies to accompany them during their stay in Germany.
The research consortium consists of Hochschule Koblenz university, an information and consulting hub offering career and business opportunities in Germany and Africa, and a network of African Nurses in Germany.
