German recruiter HonestPassion launches pilot project for future train drivers from Asia

On 1 September 2025, the college graduates began their training at AKN, which operates several railway lines in Schleswig-Holstein and north of Hamburg. The training lasts around one year, during which the entire set of rules and regulations for train drivers is taught in theory and practice. AKN also provides accommodation for the trainees and hopes to be able to hire them as skilled workers after they graduate.

HonestPassion from the iMOVE network organised and supervised the selection process in the countries of origin on behalf of AKN, arranged language courses, carefully prepared the participants for their stay in Germany and supported them in applying for their visas. After arrival, HonestPassion takes care of the day-to-day organisation (visits to authorities, opening bank accounts, etc.) for the prospective skilled workers and is available as a contact for all matters concerning the young people.

Philipp Hartmann, Managing Director of HonestPassion, attaches particular importance to the Indian newcomers having a good linguistic foundation. 'Our candidates already speak German very well before they arrive. This is the key to their successful start at AKN – and shows how important our intensive linguistic and cultural preparation in their country of origin is. Because without language, there can be no real integration – neither at work nor in everyday life.'

Without language, there can be no real integration – neither at work nor in everyday life.

Philipp Hartmann, HonestPassion

The successful placement of the 15 trainees is based on the networking of the Indian association SKIP (Skills for Progress) with HonestPassion through iMOVE. Around 200 private Indian educational institutions are organised within SKIP.