From Syria to Germany: GEZE proves the value of refugee talent integration

When one sympathetic Syrian began his apprenticeship as a machine and plant operator after a six-month probationary period in September 2017, hopes were high on both sides. 

Two years later, both Rami Aswad and his training master Werner Weis have drawn a very positive conclusion: 

"I had the pleasure to experience an ambitious and willing trainee," says a delighted Weis. 

And Aswad adds: "I really liked the apprenticeship at GEZE - above all because it has such a practical structure. I do not like school, I prefer to work with my hands. At GEZE, I was able to spend most of the time in the company and was fortunate enough to work in a great team. The colleagues are very nice and open. That helped me to learn the language better. The equipment in the training workshop is great. Trainees get their own project work here and thus transfer responsibility quickly. I think that's great!"

"During the entire training period, I could feel the joy of having this chance. I thought that was great and it also motivated me." 

Werner Weis, Master Mechanic, GEZE

And the success story continues

"We are pleased to be able to take over Rami after completing his training with an unlimited contract. He will be working for us as a skilled worker," says Weis. 

That looked a bit different at the beginning. Rami Aswad would have liked to start with no training at GEZE in order to earn money for his family as quickly as possible. Fortunately, Rolf Böhmler, the trainer, convinced the young man to "detour". Thanks to this intervention, Rami Aswad has meanwhile done pioneering work for GEZE, because he was the first apprentice in the integration project.

"That's why we find it remarkable that his brother will follow in his footsteps as an apprentice at GEZE. We understand that as a successful aid to integration," emphasizes Werner Weis with a certain pride.

Rami Aswad's way to GEZE

Such a positive development was still a long way off in 2015, when the then-26 year old Syrian had to leave his hometown of Aleppo due to war. Like many of his countrymen, he came from Syria to Turkey. 

From there he continued his flight on foot. After about a month he reached Hungary, where he was stuck for ten days before he finally could travel to Germany. Rami Aswad received a temporary residence permit and attended several language courses. At the same time he contacted the IHK Stuttgart, hoping to find a job as soon as possible. 

In 2017, the time had come: Rami Aswad received a pledge from GEZE. His future could begin.

"In my language courses I learned High German. But at work and at school, the language suddenly sounded completely different. Luckily my trainee colleagues and the trainer helped me a lot."

Creating opportunities for the socially disadvantaged

As a family business, GEZE feels traditionally committed to the region and to people - no matter where they came from. Together with the Chamber of Industry and Commerce of Stuttgart, GEZE provides internships and apprenticeships for motivated people with the project "Integration through Education - Perspectives for Refugees". The training is tailored specifically to the needs of the refugees and begins with a six-month introductory qualification at GEZE in Leonberg, which saw through Rami Aswad.

On the one hand, GEZE actively supports the integration of refugees with this initiative. And on the other hand, there are wonderful "win-win situations":  the new colleagues become important, urgently sought-after specialists who, in addition, enrich teams with both their cultural background and their experiences.

Good perspectives with commercial training at GEZE

According to the latest DIHK labor market report, out of 23,000 interviewed companies, a full 49% cannot fill their vacancies in the long term - and that number is rising. This number alone shows that well-founded training, such as that offered by GEZE, opens up excellent opportunities for a professional start.

For all those who prefer a practical way to work, GEZE offers the best basic conditions with its dual training program. In fact, apprentices spend about 70% of their training time at the company, work independently early on, and receive support from both their trainer and their apprentice colleagues. Only about 30% of the time is spent at the vocational school. After at least two years and a maximum of three and a half years, the training is complete after a final exam. 

From there, nothing stands in the way of a successful career entry.