Trainees tell their story.
My name is Janvier, I’m 27 years old and I come from Ruanda.
I studied agriculture there for six semesters.
I came to Germany in 2015. In my free time I love watching movies and playing football with my friends.
What is different in Germany?
„The weather is totally different; it’s often very cold and can change very quickly.
I was afraid of the Germans at first because of the German history, but I now realise that people are the same everywhere - there are good and bad people in every country.“
What difficulties did you have and how did you solve them?
„It's hard to be alone without a family. It was also tricky to get to the vocational training centre in the rural area, as the authorities initially did not allow me to change my residence. The uncertainty about my residence permit was difficult.
My bosses have been very supportive with all these issues and have been trying to find the best solutions for me.“
What have we done so far and why is that good for us?
Did you take any preparatory courses for the vocational training?
„I tried to pursue various internships, but it was difficult to find one. I met my current boss via my church, and I then did a 1-month internship with Elektro Beckmann. After that I was able to do an entry qualification there and was offered the vocational training.“
How did you find it?
„I found it myself through people I met at my church.“
What did you enjoy about it?
„I enjoy both the vocational school and the practical work in the company.“
Who supported you during your vocational training?
„The vocational training company has provided wonderful support since my internship. The tutors at the vocational school are great.“
Why did we choose dual vocational training?
What is your current vocational training?
„I am doing the vocational training for electronics technicians in the energy and building technology sector with Elektro Beckmann, and am in the second year of my apprenticeship.“
Why did you choose dual vocational training?
„When I came to Germany, I initially wanted to continue my studies in agriculture. But there were no opportunities to do that in the town where I was living, and I couldn’t speak German when I arrived in the country. It would have taken me a long time to learn the German C1, which is the level you need to attain to study, so that’s why I chose vocational training, which is faster and also easier to finance.“
What is going well in your vocational training?
„Everything is going really well in the vocational training. I was very happy that my first exam certificate was very good.“
Where have you experienced difficulties?
„There’s very little time to learn alongside the vocational training. I would have also have liked some help with the vocational school, but unfortunately I can’t access any support.“
What next?
What do you want for your future?
„I’d like to have a family and a good job.“
What are your tips for other young refugees who are interested in vocational training?
„First of all, you should learn how to speak German well and not underestimate the demands of the vocational training. You have to be smart! It is also important to gain some professional experience beforehand.”
