"My absolute dream job"
Four migrants tell how they found their future by training in a skilled trade in Germany.
Hedayatullah Mohammadi (30) from Afghanistan is a master shoemaker in Frankfurt am Main.
"I used to think that one day I would become an architect or a doctor. Now I'm both: as a master shoemaker, I cure shoes of their injuries. Besides, my trade is quite architectural in a way. So I've found my absolute dream job – even if it was a long and hard road. And the fact that I was recently able to train my brother as a shoemaker makes me very happy."
Diaa Almoussa (29) from Syria is a hairdresser in Giessen.
"When I came to Germany from Syria in 2015, I was able to start an internship in a hairdressing shop right away; a year later I got an apprenticeship place. I had already financed my law studies in Damascus by cutting hair. I passed my final apprenticeship exam a year ago, and my next goal is to become a master craftswoman. The biggest obstacle is the language. Fortunately, I made sure I learned German as well as possible right from the start. I'm sure it also helps that being a hairdresser means you talk to people a lot."
Mohamad Hamzaalemam (25) from Syria is a qualified bakery-shop assistant in Eberswalde. Naser Yusofzai (27) from Afghanistan is doing an apprenticeship in the same shop.
Mohamad Hamzaalemam: "I started here as a temp, but soon the owner suggested I should do an apprenticeship. At first I thought my German wasn't good enough, but it has worked out really well, partly thanks to the boss's support: I've had tutoring and the occasional day off to study for an exam. I've been a qualified bakery-shop assistant since July 2021. It's a very good feeling to have future prospects."
Naser Yusofzai: "The best part of my job is that you create something with your own hands. I like making dough and baking. This has been my occupation since the beginning of 2021, when I passed the apprenticeship exam. Now I want to further improve my language skills and become a master baker."
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