„ Campus of Generations “ DART-Conference Demographic Change in Europe –

1. „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-Benkenstein Projectmanager UP Transfer GmbH at the University of Potsdam Knowledge and Technology Transfer

2. 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 June 28th 2011

3. Initiator of the Project Prof. Dr. Dieter Wagner Vice-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 The Project – Organizer and Partners June 28th 2011

4. 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 – ReasonsandMotivations June 28th 2011

5. Unemployment in Brandenburg 170.422 156.962 55.705 55.386 30.861 31.474 55 + June 28th 2011

6. Project Measures 1. Application (2 months before qualification starts) 2. Qualification (6 months – 1 semester) • Number of participants/group size • About 12-15 participants (50+) and 12-15 students of Potsdam University • A ratio of 1:1 (participants: students) is to be aimed • A regular team consists of two seniors and two students June 28th 2011

7. 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 June 28th 2011

8. Results June 28th 2011

9. 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 people University students Companies Added Value June 28th 2011

10. Qualifiedtrainersandcoaches, Appropriateknowledgetransfer on highacademiclevel Practicalworkwithcompanies; „real“ projects→ highlymotivatedparticipants Utilization of existing networks (chamber of commerce, local politics, trade associations and other regional partners) Commitmentof Potsdam University andthe regional employmentagency FactorsofSuccess June 28th 2011

11. Obstacles • Therehastobe a closecooperationwiththeemploymentagencytorecruitparticipants • The selectionofthesmallcompaniesinvolvedhastobeimplementedverycarefuly • The participation in universitylecturesandworkshopsandthefeasibilityofthecreativeteamworkhastobeensured June 28th 2011

12. Transferability • This project is easily transferable to other European regions. • Points to be considered: • Suitable institution (University) to run the project • Solid funding (noco-paymentbytheparticipants) • Duration of the qualification: 6 month • Motivation of the participants to be qualified on an academic level • Motivation of the companies to accompany a team of students and unemployed graduates • Eventually co-payment by the companies June 28th 2011

13. Standards andIndicators Following standards and indicators are a good benchmark to evaluate the need of the project. Possible Standards: Howmany open positionscan not befilledandhowmanyunemployedskilledpeople (50+) can not find a newjob? PossibleIndicators: • Numberof open positions • Numberofunemployedacademics (50+) • Development oftheunemployment rate 50+ June 28th 2011

14. Summary • The project was directlycausedbythedemographicchange in theregion. • Itaimedatfindingsolutionstomeetthechallengesofdemographicchangeandskillsshortage. • Itissuitabletogiveunemployedskilledpeople (50+) a new professional perspective. • Wehopetobeabletocontinuethisverysuccessfullproject in Brandenburg andwishto find numbersofimitators in all europeanregionsaffectedbydemographicchangeandskillsshortage. June 28th 2011

15. Contact Thank you for your attention Campus of Generations UP Transfer GmbH at the University of Potsdam Knowledge and Technology Transfer Am Neuen Palais 1014469 PotsdamTelefon: 0049 (0) 331 977 1389www.campus-der-generationen.deemail: kegrothe@uni-potsdam.de June 28th 2011