New perspectives for international students – looking back on one year of CraftTURN at THWS
What happens if international students are unable to successfully complete their studies? What career alternatives are available to these young people in Germany, and can this also help tackle the regional skills shortage? These are the questions addressed by the CraftTURN project, which was launched in the summer of 2025 at the Technical University of Applied Sciences Würzburg-Schweinfurt (THWS).
The project supports international students in developing alternative career paths and managing the transition to dual vocational training. At the same time, regional companies benefit from motivated young talent who have already gained valuable experience within the German educational and social environment.
Led by Professor Dr. Andreas Schiffler and Professor Dr. Silke Neuderth, the interdisciplinary project team – sociologist Lisa Lehmann, social worker Silvan Renz and educationalist Bettina Kell Andrade – provides individual support to international students on their path to vocational training and a career.
Demand for the service is high: 95 counselling sessions have already been held since the project began. CraftTURN is currently supporting 50 international students. The individual advice offers include an analysis of the student’s situation, the creation of a personalised support plan, and information on the German dual vocational training system as well as on suitable apprenticeship trades and sectors. In addition, CraftTURN helps students with preparing application documents, preparing for job interviews, and searching for suitable apprenticeship places.
In addition to the individual counselling sessions, CraftTURN provides information on events organised by network partners, such as skilled worker conferences run by Region Mainfranken GmbH, digital event formats organised by the Chamber of Industry and Commerce and the Chamber of Crafts, as well as workshops and e-learning materials.
According to the project team, the language proficiency of international students presents a key challenge. A German language level of at least B1 is generally recommended for a successful apprenticeship; however B2 level is often required. CraftTURN therefore refers students specifically to the Campus Sprache, the Campus for Language Proficiency at THWS.
Strong networking within the region and THWS
A key factor in the project’s success is the close collaboration with regional partners. Together with the Chamber of Crafts for the Lower Franconia region, the Chambers of Industry and Commerce and other stakeholders, a network of more than 170 small and medium-sized enterprises has been established. This creates concrete training and employment prospects for international students whilst simultaneously opening up new opportunities for companies to recruit qualified young talents.
The project has also built a large network within THWS itself. The Academic Advisory Service, Career Service, International Office, and the Student Health Management team work closely together to reach students at an early stage and provide them with tailored support. The project is supported by an advisory board comprising representatives from business, education, and public administration.
With its innovative approach, CraftTURN combines educational integration and social participation while securing a skilled workforce. The project opens up new career prospects for international students whilst also strengthening the region’s economic development.
About the CraftTURN project
The CraftTURN project supports international students at risk of dropping out of higher education in their transition to dual vocational training and connects them with small and medium-sized enterprises in the Schweinfurt region. The project is funded with around 700,000 euros by the Federal Ministry of Education, Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth until June 2028 as part of the ‘JOBvision’ initiative. The project is managed by the Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training (BIBB), based in Bonn.
About THWS
The Technical University of Applied Sciences Würzburg-Schweinfurt (THWS) is one of the largest universities of applied sciences in Bavaria and has driven teaching and applied research since it was founded in 1971. With about 9,200 students, a diverse range of more than 60 degree programmes and two graduate schools, THWS covers a broad spectrum from technology, economics and social sciences to languages and design. THWS is not only rooted in the region, but also has a strong international focus, which is reflected in numerous collaborations and exchange programmes worldwide and also in diverse English-taught degree programmes.
Contact:
Technical University of Applied Sciences Würzburg-Schweinfurt
CraftTURN project
Ignaz-Schön-Str. 11
97421 Schweinfurt
+49 9721 940–8758
Press contact:
Technical University of Applied Sciences Würzburg-Schweinfurt
Angela Kreipl
Münzstr. 12
97070 Würzburg
+49 931 3511-8354
