The Oder-Spree municipal job center is starting the new year with an anniversary: 20 years since it was founded in 2005. It was a time in which the Oder-Spree district faced an enormous challenge, as the unemployment rate was almost 20 percent. 
Since the job center was founded, the labour market situation has developed positively. Today, the unemployment rate is around 6.4 percent - a significant decrease that reflects a stable and sustainable development of the labor market.

Another important aspect is the decrease in support for benefit communities. A needs community is a term used in German social law and refers to a community of people who live and work together. At the beginning of the Jobcenter in 2005, around 14,500 benefit communities were looked after, a figure that has fallen to around 6,000 today. This decline is a sign that the Jobcenter's measures and services have been successful and that many people in the region have been reintegrated into the job market.

Tino Kriegl, Head of the Job Center since November 2023, speaks with pride about this development. "The Jobcenter's comprehensive services, which range from advice and training to funding programs and social support, have proven their worth over the years. We have managed to give many people in the region prospects again and improve their living conditions."

Katja Kaiser, Head of the Department for Youth, Social Affairs and Culture, emphasizes: "The Oder-Spree job center has established itself as an indispensable partner for both the regional economy and social integration. It makes a decisive contribution to improving living conditions in the region and provides people with support and guidance, especially in difficult times. This anniversary is not only a reason to celebrate, but also impressive proof of the dedicated and tireless work of all those involved, who actively shape the future of the region on a daily basis."

The Oder-Spree job center plans to continue its successful work and meet the future challenges of the labour market. One focus will be on promoting skilled workers in order to meet the growing demand in the region. The job center will also continue to digitalize its services in order to be even more efficient and accessible for jobseekers and companies.