Good examples

My name is Dmytro, I come from Mariupol in Ukraine. In my home country, I worked for 16 years as an automation technician and 6 years as a power engineer at the renowned "Ilyich" blast furnace plant - iron and steelworks - in Mariupol, the largest metallurgical company in Ukraine with up to 50,000 employees. But on February 24, 2022, my original life plans changed. When the war started, I left my home country because Mariupol was particularly affected by it. In September 2022, I came to Germany in the hope that the war would end soon. As the situation remained difficult, my decision to find my new home in Germany was confirmed.</p

<p>My journey first took me to Günthersberge. Here I lived with many fellow countrymen in shared accommodation. Within a short time, I moved to Blankenburg (Harz) to my own apartment and finally to Wernigerode, where I live today. The start was not easy because of the language barrier, but I settled in step by step and learned German. I was particularly supported by my grown-up daughter, who lives abroad with her family. She always encouraged me that I had made the right decision.</p

<p>The free advice offered by the Saxony-Anhalt WelcomeCenter, whose regional advisor Gabriela Nagler I met in July 2024, was a great help. She advised me on the recognition of my diploma and the change of residence permit and helped me with many questions, introduced me to an apartment offer in Aschersleben as well as suitable job offers. Last but not least, I also owe a lot to Sylke Endler from the IQ Network Saxony-Anhalt. She also coached me free of charge and supported me with questions and problems relating to qualifications and starting my career (e.g. by giving me valuable advice on having my engineering degree recognized).

<p>However, I postponed the move to a later date in order to have planning security through a permanent employment contract. The A36 is also a good transport connection.

<p>A special milestone was the recognition of my Ukrainian engineering diploma by the Magdeburg Chamber of Engineers. Since then, I can officially call myself an "engineer for automation technology" - a moment that filled me with pride and gave me new motivation.</p

<p>With a lot of ambition, I achieved language level B1 at the Überlingen Academy in Wernigerode in July 2024. This certificate was important proof that I was finally able to apply for jobs and gain a foothold in my career. Within two months, I wrote 29 applications, had eight interviews and completed three trial working days.</p

<p>In September 2024, after a trial period at Magnera Aschersleben GmbH, I signed my employment contract as a mechatronics technician for the maintenance of the process control system as well as for the maintenance, repair, installation and adjustment of automation technology, measurement and control technology, electrical equipment and PLC controls. The company produces printed products for hygiene articles and nonwovens using the latest innovative technologies. Magnera Aschersleben GmbH has its origins in the United States of America and has seven locations in Germany alone, as well as others in Europe. It fills my heart with great joy to be part of the 300 employees in Aschersleben. I greatly appreciate the trust and support of my colleagues, who show me a great deal of empathy and recognition for my person and work performance.

<p>My employer offers a 5-shift system adapted to people's biorhythms, development opportunities and regular training. The working atmosphere is pleasant and a German course is planned at the company. I passed my probationary period long ago and feel very comfortable in my job and my team. Thanks to my experience from Ukraine, I was able to familiarize myself quickly, even if the language and technical terms are sometimes still a challenge.

<p>I have three goals for the future: a permanent employment contract, possibly a move to Aschersleben and a permanent residence permit. I want to encourage others: Success doesn't come by itself - take advantage of the free advice and support offered by the experts and keep at it, then you can realize your plans and dreams for promising prospects of staying.

My journey to the Federal Republic of Germany began in Ukraine, where I lived and worked for several years. Because of the war, I had to leave the country with a heavy heart. I want to tell my story to encourage other migrants and show that it is possible to seize new opportunities and build a new life even in difficult times. My name is Agajan Saparov, I am 30 years old, my home country was originally Turkmenistan. I have been living in Germany since March 2022.

<p>In Ukraine, I first worked in a workshop where we repaired tractors. Later, I worked as a cab driver before I decided to get my truck driver's license. My goal was to work as a professional driver, but before I could really get started, the war broke out. Everything changed from one day to the next. I had to leave my home country in March 2022. I came to Germany alone. It was a time full of uncertainty, but also hope for a better future.</p

<p>After arriving in Halberstadt, I was lucky enough to find an apartment in Blankenburg (Harz) within a week, where I still live today. It wasn't easy at first. I had to find my feet in a new country, learn a new language and reorient myself professionally. It took a year before I finally got a place on a B1-level German course. But I remained patient and used the time to prepare myself as well as possible for my new life.</p

<p>On 27 October 2023, at the educational institution where I attended the language course, I met Ms Nagler from the WelcomeCenter Saxony-Anhalt of the state initiative Fachkraft im Fokus, who regularly offers free on-site consultations for participants from abroad. We have kept in touch at regular intervals since then. I sought advice from her because my class CE driving license expired on 14.12.2023. You have to know that the driving license of people from third countries is only valid for 6 months after entry and the theoretical and practical driving test must be taken again in order to continue driving. I sought advice from Ms. Nagler because I wanted to find work as a professional driver. She checked with the Chamber of Industry and Commerce and the Road Traffic Office for me, but there was no other solution and I didn't have any money to buy a driver's license at the time. In the end, the idea of retraining as a bus driver grew with Ms Nagler, and luckily the job center approved it for me.</p

<p>After completing the German course, I found a job advertisement on StepStone from Harzer Verkehrsbetriebe GmbH (HVB GmbH), which was looking for bus drivers. I introduced myself and was given the opportunity to train as a bus driver. KOBA took over the complete financing of the training and I passed all the exams on my first attempt. It was a big step for me when I signed my employment contract with HVB GmbH in November 2024.</p

<p>Today, I work as a bus driver for the city transport services in Wernigerode, Blankenburg and Benneckenstein. I am proud to be part of the team and really appreciate the support of my colleagues and my HR manager Ms. Wagner as well as Ms. Nagler. I am particularly pleased that I have already been able to drive various buses, including modern e-buses and a Schlenkbus.

<p>HVB GmbH is a company with a long history. Since the district reform in 2007 and the founding of HVB GmbH in 2009, several locations in the Harz district have merged. Today, the company employs around 300 people, including international specialists from ten different countries. I am proud to be one of them.

<p>With my employment contract subject to social security contributions, I now have planning security for the future. I feel very much at home in the region and plan to start a family here. The people I meet on my journeys are mostly friendly and I've only had positive experiences with my passengers so far. Of course, there are also challenges, such as the increasing number of assaults on drivers, but HVB GmbH is behind us and supports us with training before such situations arise.</p

<p>My journey to Germany wasn't easy, but it was worth it. I would like to say to all migrants: don't give up! It takes patience and perseverance, but there are always opportunities to build a new life. I am grateful for the opportunities I was given and hope that my story will encourage others to follow their own path.</p

My name is Liudmyla and I would like to share my story to encourage other migrants. In Ukraine, I worked for many years as an accountant and later as a chief accountant in various companies and corporations. I then worked as a tax inspector at the tax office, where I was responsible for company audits. This professional experience gave me a deep understanding of financial matters, which helps me a lot in my new job in Germany today.</p

<p>In March 2022, my life changed abruptly. I had to leave my home country after the outbreak of war. I came to Germany with my mother, while my son stayed in Ukraine with his family. This decision was incredibly difficult, but I knew that I had to find a safe place for my mother and me. We came straight to Magdeburg, where my sister lives with her family. She has lived in Germany for over 20 years and was very supportive during this difficult time.</p

<p>I knew right from the start that I had to learn the language in order to gain a foothold in Germany. Within a year, I completed the German courses for levels A1, A2 and B1 and obtained my B2 certificate in May 2024. Despite my professional experience, entering the German job market was not easy. From May to September 2024, I wrote lots of applications and went to interviews - unfortunately without success.

<p>Then came the turning point: I contacted the Saxony-Anhalt WelcomeCenter of the state initiative Fachkraft im Fokus and the advisor there, Nataliya Detka. There I received valuable support in revising my application documents and preparing for job interviews. With her help, I found an internship at Harzer GmbH Steuerberatungsgesellschaft. This internship ultimately opened the door to a permanent position as an accounting clerk for me.</p

<p>I am very happy with my job. My colleagues are incredibly helpful and the professional induction made it easier for me to get started. Of course, I want to develop further and become even better at what I do. I have the goal of deepening various areas of responsibility and further expanding my knowledge.</p

<p>My journey has not been easy, but I have learned that perseverance and a willingness to take on new challenges are the keys to success. I hope that my story will show other migrants that it is possible to make a fresh start and build a new life, even under difficult circumstances.

My name is Antonia and I come from Ukraine. I worked there for over 20 years at the pension insurance company - as a personnel consultant and in the processing of digital pension applications. My life was stable, I had a fulfilling job and was proud to make my contribution to society. But everything changed with the outbreak of war. I had to leave my home country to protect my family and suddenly found myself in a completely new life.

<p>In spring 2022, I came to Germany with my two daughters - now 18 and 10 years old. We first arrived in Hanover before finally finding an apartment in Magdeburg. There we hoped that the war would soon come to an end and we could return to our home country. But it soon became clear that we would have to prepare for a longer life in Germany.</p

<p>Instead of despairing, I decided to take action. In May 2022, I started a German course and initially completed the B1 level. With a lot of hard work, I also managed to successfully reach B2 level in October 2024. That was a crucial milestone, because language is the key to gaining a foothold in a new country.</p

<p>With my new language skills, I contacted the Saxony-Anhalt WelcomeCenter of the state initiative Fachkraft im Fokus and the advisor there, Nataliya Detka. Together, we worked on my application documents and prepared me for job interviews. It was an intensive time, but it also gave me a lot of self-confidence. After a short time, I had the opportunity to complete a two-week internship at Harzer GmbH Steuerberatungsgesellschaft. The internship was an important experience for me to find out whether I was up to the demands of the German job market.</p

<p>The effort was worth it: I was subsequently offered a permanent position as an accounting clerk! Of course, the beginning was challenging because the working environment, the processes and the technical language were new to me. But with each day, the work became easier to understand and I felt more and more confident. My colleagues are incredibly friendly and helpful, which made it much easier for me to get started. Today, I am not only satisfied with my work, but also proud to have taken this step.</p

<p>My daughters have also settled in well. My older daughter is now studying and my younger daughter will be attending grammar school from the next school year. It fills me with joy to see them blossom in this new environment. My journey has not always been easy, but it has shown me how important it is to believe in yourself and never give up. I hope that my story will encourage other migrants to pursue their own dreams and build a new life for themselves - step by step, with patience and determination.

Adrian Hysi came to Germany in 2018 and was already working as an electronics technician for building technology in his home country. He wanted to pursue his profession here too and initially started as an "assistant electrician". While looking for ways to have his professional experience recognized, he found out about the validation process.</p

<p>He initially registered with the HWK Halle, but realized that the profession of 'industrial electrician' was better suited to his skills. He therefore opted for a validation process at the Halle-Dessau Chamber of Industry and Commerce. After the discussions with the chamber employee and the vocational experts, Adrian Hysi went into the external assessment for the occupation of 'industrial electrician' specializing in industrial engineering with increased self-confidence. Stadtwerke Halle GmbH supported the external assessment with suitable premises at SWH. "Stadtwerke Halle's training center is ideally equipped to assess the participants' professional skills. We are therefore very grateful that we can use it for our external assessments," comments the project manager at the Halle-Dessau Chamber of Industry and Commerce.</p

<p>Mr. Hysi did not immediately achieve his desired result. He therefore took the opportunity to learn the skills he lacked and prove them in a second external assessment. The opportunity to go through the process a second time is given to each participant once if the person acquires the missing skills between the two processes. Following the second procedure, Mr. Hysi received a certificate confirming that he has the same skills as people with formal vocational training.

<p>"The process has opened up many career paths for me. My employer has given me more responsibility, I am now involved in planning and I get a better salary for these reasons," the proud participant tells us.

Motivated by the process, Mr. Hysi would like to continue his education in the field of solar technology. The state initiative "Fachkraft im Fokus" of Saxony-Anhalt provided advice on funding opportunities for such further training. A funding program was found that reimburses the participant for a significant portion of the training costs. Adrian Hysi has already taken part in the free consultation and is now initiating all further steps together with Claudia Bär, regional advisor for skilled workers at the state initiative "Fachkraft im Fokus"!

Are you also looking for funding opportunities for further training or a new career start? Then contact our regional advisors for skilled workers. We are just a phone call away.

The validation process is funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research. Further information is available at www.validierungsverfahren.de/validierungsverfahren. 

Very satisfied with their new jobs and happy to finally be able to live in Wernigerode again, Sophie and Tobias write an emotional letter of thanks to Dr. Ingo Leinert, regional advisor for skilled workers at the state initiative Fachkraft im Fokus in Halberstadt: "We are definitely pleased to have found something suitable so quickly. We would like to thank you once again for your support and all the good advice. That helped us a lot."

<p>Sophie L. and Tobias S. have lived and worked in Hamburg for a long time. The personal development of their family, their living situation and the professional environment prompted the couple to return to their home region - the Harz Mountains. Sophie studied tourism and marketing and works for a large company in Hamburg. She would like to have more time for her family and would therefore like to work part-time. Her husband Tobias has a degree in engineering and works in the automotive industry. Both want to stay in their industries and hope not to have to make too many financial sacrifices.</p

<p>Sophie and Tobias turn to Dr. Ingo Leinert. With his help, they worked with the young couple to update, revise and upgrade their existing documents. Dr. Leinert's intensive advice, including on the job search, increases their chances in the application process. Targeted unsolicited applications lead to successful job interviews. Sophie now works for a renowned regional initiative that also deals with location development through tourism and regional marketing. Tobias is employed by an innovative mechanical engineering company in the region.

<p>There are many emotional situations associated with a new environment, the job and apartment search and the move itself. It is not easy to reconcile these wide-ranging problems in family and professional life and it is easy to lose track of everything. The Fachkraft im Fokus state initiative can also be the solution for you.</p

<p>We are happy to support you. We are just a phone call away.

Dr. Ingo Leinert
Regional advisor for skilled workers
Halberstadt regional advice center

Phone: +49 172 7681904
Email: leinert(at)fachkraft-im-fokus(dot)de

After living abroad for years, Britta Simon returned to Germany - to the Altmark - for family reasons. Her goal was to become self-employed, so in 2021 she took part in a pre-start-up course run by our network partner IGZ BIC Altmark in order to be optimally prepared for her business start-up. The spin-off followed only a short time later and Ms. Simon positioned herself as a transformation coach, cert. Coach & Mentor for stress management and building personal resilience according to HeartMath, on the market.

On the recommendation of another participant from the pre-founder course, Ms. Simon contacted our regional consultant Jana Worreschk. "Especially when someone has just founded a company, they are often disoriented at first. It's good to have someone who knows the region and can offer encouragement and support," says Jana Worreschk. Our colleague gave the founder helpful tips on how she can network with new people in her old home and make important contacts. For example, Ms Simon took part in the Business Women's Breakfast in Magdeburg and also made profitable contacts with the help of social media.

<p>"It's great that there's a contact point for newcomers that provides directional advice regarding their own career and offers appropriate solutions and contacts. For me, it was particularly important that Ms Worreschk steered my professional focus in the right direction and that I was able to expand my network, which was very helpful for my business start-up and its expansion," says Britta Simon.

It quickly became clear that Ms Simon wanted to specialize primarily in people in the care professions. On the recommendation of Jana Worreschk, she contacted Christina Heinze, who is the pedagogical director and head of the educational center for health professions Magdeburg and has already held several events together with the state initiative Fachkraft im Fokus. Ms. Simon was thus able to expand her network in a targeted manner and set up specific programs adapted to the target group in her business plan.</p

<p>In the further course of the consultation, Ms Worreschk raised Ms Simon's awareness of the topic of further training and referred her to Heiko Wisny, our regional consultant for companies. The founder is now aiming for further training in marketing with the Saxony-Anhalt FURTHER TRAINING IN BUSINESS funding program in order to market herself and her services in the best possible way.

<p>Do you also need support with your professional project?

We are just a phone call away.

Jana Worreschk
Regional consultant for skilled workers
Regional advice center Stendal
Mobile phone: +49 172 7988532
Email: worreschk(at)fachkraft-im-fokus(dot)de

Heiko Wisny
Regional consultant for companies
Stendal regional advice center
Mobile phone: +49 152 31901712
Email: wisny(at)fachkraft-im-fokus(dot)de

On 17.03.2022, the team at DRK Ambulante Pflege GmbH Haldensleben received the state seal "The employee-oriented company - I feel good here" from our regional consultant for companies, André Gottschalk. On behalf of the entire team, the nursing service manager, Ms. Petra Schulze, received the certificate. The entire team was very proud of what they had achieved. The facility in Haldensleben is characterized in particular by very good communication and a close-knit team. The state seal was celebrated with coffee and cake.

The Analysis method Values Network© enables a mapping of the values of employees and managers of a company in comparison to the reality in the company. It is a way of making the satisfaction of employees visible and identifying potential problems in order to work on them.</p

<p>The state seal distinguishes companies in Saxony-Anhalt as attractive employers and provides a significant advantage in the competition for sought-after specialists.

You want that too?

Our regional consultants will be happy to help you develop a suitable strategy for your company. Take advantage of this free opportunity to further develop your company, retain your employees and make it even more attractive for skilled workers.

<p>These companies have already successfully acquired the state seal "The employee-oriented company - I feel good here"

The company advanto Software GmbH from Magdeburg was presented with the state seal "Employee-oriented company - I feel at home here" by our regional consultant, André Gottschalk. Managing Directors Mark Poppeck and Robert Flügge were delighted to accept the certificate in the presence of the entire team. The team then celebrated their award together with coffee and bread rolls.</p

<p>The previous employee survey made it clear that the Magdeburg-based company is focused on the well-being of its employees. Not least thanks to agile working with Scrum as a model for project development, which is not only lived but also felt in the company, the best conditions for high-quality software development are in place. Employees are perceived as individuals and their personal concerns are taken into account in the best possible way, which contributes to the motivation of the team and the efficiency of processes.</p

<p>The Analysis method Values Network© enables a mapping of the values of employees and managers of a company in comparison to the reality in the company. It is a way of making the satisfaction of employees visible and identifying potential problems in order to work on them.</p

<p>The state seal distinguishes companies in Saxony-Anhalt as attractive employers and provides a significant advantage in the competition for sought-after specialists.

You want that too?

Our regional consultants will be happy to help you develop a suitable strategy for your company. Take advantage of this free opportunity to further develop your company, retain your employees and make it even more attractive for skilled workers.

<p>These companies have already successfully acquired the state seal "The employee-oriented company - I feel good here"

The sound of the camera moving on the video track, the brief click of the shutter, the whirring of a drone over the set, a final powdering of the nose and a proud look at the employees. Kirsten Lehmann, owner of the care service "Pflegedienst Hand in Hand Pflege mit Herz & Verstand" in Bad Schmiedeberg, is very excited.
Shutter down - film away.

We are in the middle of filming one of the company videos for the award of the state seal "The employee-oriented company - I feel good here" 2022. It is already the second state seal that will be awarded to the company on June 2, 2022 at the big ceremony in Magdeburg's Johanniskirche. The care service received its first state seal at a rapid pace and with top marks back in 2021. Kirsten Lehmann is very proud of her employee-oriented company. So proud, in fact, that she has also affixed the seal to all of her employees' vehicles. For her, it's all about the values that the national seal embodies. These values, which are practiced in the company, are now also carried to the outside world with the vehicle fleet. This shows clients and other companies that her employees enjoy working for her.

<p>Mrs Lehmann became aware of the state seal "The employee-oriented company - I feel good here" at an event in October 2020 at which the state initiative Fachkraft im Fokus presented the Analysis procedure Werteetz© . The network meeting on the topic of "Future Care" in Wörlitz is the third fully booked event of its kind within a month. This says a lot about the urgency of the topic and the great interest in it. Our regional consultants Katrin Freytag, Norbert Köhn and Uwe Hildebrandt are impressed by the huge amount of interest shown in our concept of the employee survey according to Werteetz© at this event too. Kirsten Lehmann, however, is so enthusiastic that she immediately arranges a consultation appointment for the following day in Dessau with Katrin Freytag, regional consultant for companies.

<p>Even then, Ms. Lehmann knew what good things she had in her employees and did everything she could to keep them happy. She finances many training courses and qualifications, which are also well received. Community activities bring the team closer together. Kirsten Lehmann is there for her team around the clock - even on vacation. But is this also well received by her employees? Her motivation for promptly taking part in the free employee survey is to take a close look at this and be able to make corrections if necessary. All employees take part in the first round. The very good result of the survey speaks for itself. In the second round, the percentages even climbed again - despite the adverse conditions caused by the coronavirus pandemic.</p

<p>"However, my goal is to achieve 100% in my third round to obtain the national seal, which is only valid for one year," emphasizes Kirsten Lehmann, looking to the future and hoping for continued intensive support from the state initiative Fachkraft im Fokus. "But what's more important to me is how we get there," she continues. "I want to keep the satisfaction of my employees at a high level. For example, I will be holding the popular events such as summer parties, barbecues, Christmas parties and joint brunches on a regular basis again as soon as possible. Because for me, the basic idea of "good work" is safe work that is also valued. Satisfaction in the workplace. A great team around me and employees who are happy to be there for each other, for our clients and for me."

<p>The Analysis method Values Network© enables the values held by employees and managers of a company to be mapped in comparison to the reality within the company. It is a way to make the satisfaction of employees visible and to identify potential problems in order to work on them.
The state seal distinguishes companies in Saxony-Anhalt as attractive employers and provides a significant advantage in the competition for sought-after specialists.

<p>You want that too?
Our regional consultants will be happy to help you develop a suitable strategy for your company. Take advantage of this free opportunity to further develop your company, retain your employees and make it even more attractive for skilled workers.

<p>Katrin Freytag, Regional Consultant Companies (Dessau-Roßlau)
freytag(at)fachkraft-im-fokus(dot)de | +49 172 8794590
 

These companies have already successfully acquired the state seal "The employee-oriented company - I feel good here".

Eric Ohlmann* turned to the state initiative Fachkraft im Fokus because he wanted to reorient himself professionally. The software developer moved back to Saxony-Anhalt from Munich two years ago, but continued to work from home at an IT company in Munich.

<p>Working from home awakened Eric Ohlmann's* desire for more contact with other people and a professional reorientation in Saxony-Anhalt. In addition to looking for a new job in the IT sector, he was also interested in a career change as a teacher in Saxony-Anhalt.

<p>Our regional consultant for skilled workers, Nicole Kegel, researched suitable jobs in the IT sector for the 38-year-old and supported the software developer in the application process. She also gathered information on lateral entry as a teacher: the possibility of studying should not be ruled out either.</p

<p>After careful consideration and several discussions, Eric Ohlmann* decided to study to become a teacher in Magdeburg, which he will start in October 2022.
"I would like to say a big thank you to you, because your support, including the interviews in the IT departments, helped me to make this decision," says the prospective student, thanking regional advisor Nicole Kegel for her commitment.

*Name changed by the editors

"Thank you very much for your friendly and energetic support. I can only recommend this kind of support to others," says Torsten Wiesner, thanking Nicole Kegel. Our regional consultant for skilled workers helped the 57-year-old work educator to find a job in Saxony-Anhalt. He started his new job in his desired field on November 1, 2022.</p

<p>Whether you want to get your career off to a flying start in Saxony-Anhalt or start again. Our colleague Nicole Kegel will work with you to find out where your career prospects and opportunities lie: independently and independently of any particular provider. The regional consultant for skilled workers focuses entirely on your personal needs. Nicole Kegel includes suitable offers for further vocational training and their financial support in her advice.</p

<p>Our current customer feedback shows that this advisory service is very successful.</p

<p>Would you also like to start a new career, gain qualifications or continue your education?
We are just a phone call away.

Nicole Kegel, Regional Consultant Specialists (Magdeburg)
kegel(at)fachkraft-im-fokus(dot)de | +49 172 9537591

"Fast help for fast helpers" is the motto of Rettungstechnik Doll GmbH. The Schönebeck-based company has been active in the field of medical device service and special vehicle construction for over 10 years. The 14 employees solve problems that need to be solved with enthusiasm and commitment. They carry out safety and metrological inspections of special vehicles and their equipment, safety and metrological inspections of class 1 and 2 medical devices and medical equipment. As a registered automotive trade company, the company is active in special vehicle construction, especially for the police, fire department, various authorities and rescue services, and is certified in accordance with DIN-ISO 9001:2015 and as a medical device consultant.
This year, the company took part in the employee survey according to Werteetz© and qualified for the state seal "The employee-oriented company - I feel good here".

Our regional business consultant, Norbert Köhn, presented the proud team with the well-deserved certificate.

Reliability for customers and employees

Customer service and reliability are particularly important in this area. However, the concerns and interests of the employees are not neglected either.
Rettungstechnik Doll GmbH tries to implement "good work" in the company through work-life balance, team-building measures, training, health care and fair cooperation. Benefits such as a fuel allowance, free drinks and the free provision of high-quality work clothing are well received by employees.</p

<p>Our colleague Kerstin Mogdans has already been able to see for herself that Karsten Doll cares a lot about the satisfaction of his employees. Ms Mogdans is a coordinator at the Saxony-Anhalt WelcomeCenter of the state initiative Fachkraft im Fokus. As part of her multifaceted consulting activities, she also sensitizes entrepreneurs to the possibilities of designing family-friendly measures. Last year, she conducted a workshop with the managers of Rettungstechnik Doll GmbH to show, for example, that large investments are not always necessary to implement family-friendly measures in the company.

<h3>The Werteetz© survey provides an up-to-date picture of employee sentiment

In order to find out how the benefits offered are generally received by the employees and what the actual mood in the company is like, Rettungstechnik Doll GmbH took part in the anonymous employee survey according to Werteetz©. Not only the result of the survey, but also the feedback from the employees on their participation in the Werteetz© survey was positive.
The employees perceived the participation as appreciation towards them. The survey reflected the employees' wishes and ideas and how they could be implemented.</p

<h3>Planned measures for even greater employee satisfaction

Karsten Doll, Managing Director of Rettungstechnik Doll GmbH, is proud to be able to call the state seal "The employee-oriented company - I feel good here" his own thanks to the positive results of the survey. However, he does not want to rest on his laurels and aims to continue to provide his employees with intensive professional development and to promote team bonding through joint events and sports days. Furthermore, employees are to be supported in balancing work and family life and personal concerns are to be addressed as far as possible.

<h3>Best performance under the best conditions

The regional consultants for skilled workers supported Rettungstechnik Doll GmbH in shaping the employees' professional goals.
Firstly, Ilka Frebel provided information on further training opportunities and funding options and helped the employees to find out which further training might be suitable for them. Further cooperation is planned in this area in the future, as Managing Director Karsten Doll would like to promote professional development among his employees and provide them with intensive opportunities for this.

"The basic idea of 'good work' in our company is defined by the fact that everyone is satisfied with what they do and that the company and the employees are personally advanced. Requirements and expectations should largely match so that everyone can give their best performance under the best conditions." - Karsten Doll Managing Director of Rettungstechnik Doll GmbH

Secondly, some employees used the KODE® skills and development diagnostics tool with the help of the regional consultants for skilled workers. One of the aims of the analysis process was to find out whether an employee has the necessary skills for a promotion to management level and is confident enough to take on the new position.</p

"In the end, there should be a win-win situation and further development for all sides. We have also defined corporate guidelines for this." - Karsten Doll Managing Director of Rettungstechnik Doll GmbH

Rescue Technology Doll GmbH also posts its job advertisements on Fachkraft im Fokus's job and specialist exchange in order to find new employees.
This means that the company from Schönebeck knows and uses the entire range of services offered by the state initiative. The regional consultants from Magdeburg support Rettungstechnik Doll GmbH throughout the entire "Finding - retaining - developing employees" process.

You want that too

Our regional consultants will be happy to help you develop a suitable strategy for your company. Take advantage of this free opportunity to further develop your company, retain your employees and make it even more attractive for skilled workers.

<p>These companies have already successfully acquired the state seal "The employee-oriented company - I feel good here"

Nico Wittich has lived in Munich with his family for a very long time. As a streetcar driver, the 42-year-old knows the city very well, but it is becoming increasingly foreign to him. "My profession is now held in low esteem in Bavaria. The mentality of the people here is completely different. The housing situation in Munich is also tense. Rents are very high."  And so Nico Wittich becomes increasingly homesick for his old home and his family in Saxony-Anhalt.

<p>The desire to return home has existed for a long time, but Nico Wittich and his wife, who works as an educator, have never really dared to do so. Neither of them really knew what they had to think about. Mr. Wittich had sent an application as a trained streetcar driver to Saxony-Anhalt, but never received a reply. When acquaintances told him about the support lines of the state initiative Fachkraft im Fokus, things really took off for Nico Wittich.

<p>"How does a return to Saxony-Anhalt with a family work?" is the question Nico Wittich asks Claudia Bär, regional advisor for skilled workers in Halle. Ms. Bär carefully examines the family's professional and private situation and immediately begins the intensive process of providing support on the topics of recording the current situation, assessing the family's needs and requirements, planning and structuring the necessary steps, reviewing the application documents, discussing the options based on existing qualifications and looking for a job. During the consultation, possible areas of work for Nico Wittich are worked out - including as a driver in a bus. Mr. Wittich is made aware of transport companies in the region and their job advertisements. As the family would like to settle in the southern Halle area, the search is primarily focused on this radius and contact is made with PersonenNahVerkehrsGesellschaft  Merseburg - Querfurt mbH (PNVG) 

The company is immediately very interested. Heiko Joksch from HR Management is supporting the process on the company side. He prepared the recruitment well and also organized the driving school for Mr Wittich in cooperation with the Saxony-Anhalt South Employment Agency. He successfully completed the course within 2.5 months and has been working as a driver since the end of December 2022. This was also possible because PNVG employed Mr Wittich from day one - even while he was still attending driving school - and always supported him in dealing with the authorities and many other matters.</p

<p>"Looking back, I have no regrets. I received great support from all sides. I was very well received in the company. All my colleagues welcomed me well. I quickly forgot any minor teething troubles. A lot has happened in the years I've been away and I first have to get used to the sometimes new ways of working in rural areas." And after a short pause, Nico Wittich emphasizes: "I can only recommend it to anyone who grew up here: returning to your old home and the advice of the state initiative Fachkraft im Fokus."

<p>Would you like to find out more about returning to Saxony-Anhalt? Would you like to reorient yourself professionally, continue your education or gain qualifications? We are just a phone call away.

<p>Claudia Bär
Regional consultant for skilled workers

+49 172 7681903
baer(at)fachkraft-im-fokus(dot)de

"We help our customers to become more visible with their company and their products," is how Managing Director Dirk Andres describes the services of media agency VEB-Bild GbR in one sentence.</p

<p>Due to the company's broad range of services, there were numerous starting points for digitalization consulting. The focus was on optimizing work processes through the use of modern technologies and digital tools, particularly in the area of digital printing technology.</p

<p>Another important aspect of the consultation was the introduction of digital time recording. This measure enabled VEB-Bild GbR to record and manage the working hours of its employees more efficiently. The digitalization of working time recording leads to a positive reduction in administrative work for employees and contributes to the fulfillment of future legal requirements. In addition, it enables transparent and fair accounting of working hours that can be changed at short notice, which contributes to greater employee satisfaction.</p

<p>A particular highlight of the consultation was Dirk Andres' willingness to inform his network about the services offered by Fachkraft im Fokus. This not only enabled the needs of VEB-Bild GbR to be met, but also allowed other companies in the Altmark region to benefit from the advice provided by Fachkraft im Fokus. This created a valuable multiplier effect that extended the benefits of the advice to a wider community.</p

<p>The initial consultation developed into a long-term partnership that shows how sustainable and far-reaching collaborations can be created.</p

<p>Further information about the company and its digital services can be found in a short interview 

In times of a shortage of skilled workers, more and more companies are relying on a strong corporate culture to find and retain qualified employees. A joinery from Wulferstedt shows how it's done: with the state seal "The employee-oriented company - I feel good here", the Dreyer joinery has not only received official proof of its employer quality, but has also created a basis for preparing itself for the future.

<p>Robert Dreyer, Managing Director of the joinery, is convinced: "Satisfied employees are a company's most valuable resource. I want to build something together with them." This is why Dreyer decided to take part in the Werteetz© survey: "It was the perfect opportunity to have our corporate culture professionally monitored and evaluated."</p

I studied German, English and World Literature at the University of Kiev. I completed my master's degree in December 2021. Unfortunately, war broke out in Ukraine in February 2022, which fundamentally changed my life. In May 2022, I fled to Germany and came to Mecklenburg-Vorpommern in the Müritz region.

<p>I had already spent two months there in 2019 working as a waitress with Work & Travel to improve my German. Luckily for me, my boss at the time got in touch when the war broke out and offered me his support. My mother and sister decided not to flee with me, but I came with two friends.

<p>My boss helped us with the applications and offered us a job in his hotel. This opportunity allowed me to improve my German language skills considerably as I lost my fear of speaking. However, the job was only seasonal, so I worked in a hotel in Ilsenburg during the winter season. I returned to Müritz the following summer and spent the winter of 2023/2024 in Ilsenburg again.</p

<p>My colleagues from Ilsenburg had prepared a furnished apartment for me and I worked part shifts, so I hardly had any time to deal with bureaucratic formalities. In January 2024, I finally made the decision to use my diploma. I started researching the recognition of my diploma and tried to have it translated, which proved difficult and resulted in several rejections. Through internet research, I came into contact with the WelcomeCenter of the state initiative Fachkraft im Fokus. I made an appointment with the regional advisor Gabriela Nagler in February 2024 to get support with recognition. My goal was to become a German teacher. Ms. Nagler already recommended the Oskar Kämmer School to me at this point. As there were no vacancies there at the time, I continued to work at the hotel and looked for suitable job offers at the same time.</p

<p>In summer 2024, the Oskar Kämmer School in Wernigerode was looking for a teacher for integration courses. My application was successful and I was offered a permanent position as of 01.08.2024. Now I'm hoping that I can apply for my Blue Card further down the line.</p

<p>In the meantime, I've moved to Wernigerode with my boyfriend and I'm very happy with how things are going here so far. I have great colleagues, great contacts in the school management and great students in the German courses.

<p>For a foreigner, the bureaucracy is a big challenge. The hurdles are high and it is often difficult to find the right contact person at the relevant authority at the right time. The assessment of the equivalence of my qualifications by the ZAB went quickly, but the recognition of my diploma is still a long time coming.</p

<p>Life in Germany is not easy and you have to do a lot yourself to make a living and achieve your goals. Nevertheless, I am very happy and very grateful to everyone who has supported me.

<p>I can very well imagine a future in Germany and am looking forward to the time ahead.</p

<p>Viktoria

In my home country of Iran, I completed a bachelor's and master's degree in chemical engineering/process engineering at the University of Tabriz, which I completed in 2014. I then worked first in research and then in quality control and technical monitoring in a plastics company and a bitumen company. Most recently, I worked as a refinery engineer.

<p>During the coronavirus pandemic, I had the desire to change my life and decided to move to Germany, where I enrolled at Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg to study process engineering. The Master's degree complements the studies I had already completed in Iran. Entry was delayed due to the coronavirus pandemic, so I arrived in Magdeburg as a student in October 2021. Thanks to the support of the Studentenwerk, I was able to move into an apartment in a student hall of residence. I immediately registered for a German course at the university. In addition, I improved my language skills through apps and YouTube, so that I am now at level B2-C1. To be able to prove this, I am currently aiming for the next German course.</p

<p>As there is no financial support for students from Iran in Germany, I quickly looked for a part-time job and worked as a helper in pizza production in Osterweddingen and as a cleaner in a café.

In June 2023, I then took part in the Discovery Days of a global multi-energy company and had the chance to spend two days getting to know the company and the career opportunities there. Following the interviews with the managers there, I was given the opportunity to complete an internship in the security department, which I did for two months. After that, I had the chance to switch to the process engineering department.</p

<p>I then worked for seven months, alongside my studies, three days a week in Leuna on a large rationalization project. This job was demanding, as the journey time by public transport was three hours each way. Nevertheless, this experience helped me a lot in my professional development. My goal was to find a job in Magdeburg. I wrote almost 100 applications, received 23 rejections and 4 positive responses. I interviewed at 3 companies in the area, one far away from Magdeburg and one company in Magdeburg.

<p>During a visit to the Returnee Day in Staßfurt, I had the opportunity to get in touch with Ms. Hilbert from the WelcomeCenter Saxony-Anhalt. She initially helped my friend find a job in Staßfurt. During another contact with Ms. Kegel, regional advisor for skilled workers in the state initiative Fachkraft im Fokus, at a job fair in Magdeburg, I realized that I also needed support in my own job search. We then agreed on further steps and I came into contact with Ms. Hilbert again. Ms. Hilbert gave me valuable tips on the application process, conducted interview training sessions with me and gave me the confidence I needed. In the end, I was able to find a job in a Magdeburg-based engineering and plant construction company for the chemical, pharmaceutical, food and energy industries. Here I will be working as a project manager for process engineering. In order to be able to stay in Germany permanently, I have already applied for the "EU Blue Card".</p

<p>I am very grateful to the regional advisors for skilled workers in the state initiative Fachkraft im Fokus and the WelcomeCenter Saxony-Anhalt for their support. Magdeburg is an attractive city with lots of greenery, a friendly atmosphere and peaceful surroundings. The city has a beautiful location on the Elbe, excellent housing options and a diverse business landscape. My girlfriend and I feel very comfortable here and plan to stay for the long term.</p

In my home country, the Republic of the Philippines, I earned a Bachelor of Science in Electronics and then worked in the development department of a global company that manufactures printers, scanners, digital cameras and other electronic products. My goal has always been to go abroad as it is difficult to find a job in the Philippines where my qualifications are recognized and well paid. Originally, I had planned to go to Canada, as I wouldn't have had to learn a new language there. However, I had already started learning German A1 at the Goethe-Institut in the Philippines, as this language certificate is a prerequisite for all long-term visas for Germany.

<p>After I met my current husband online in 2019, it was clear that I would go to Germany. After we got married and found an apartment in Halle, I gradually improved my language skills. When I had successfully completed German B1, I started a mini-job so that I also had some money of my own. I used it to buy a bicycle, among other things.</p

<p>After contacting the employment agency, I continued to learn German B2 for my job and then also German C1. But it wasn't easy to find a job here because I often got rejections on my applications.

<p>I only made progress after a job fair, where I came into contact with the employees of Fachkraft im Fokus. In particular, finding contacts at companies helped me a lot. In order to get a job, it is important to have your vocational certificates recognized by the KMK. This takes a while and costs a lot of money, but it is the most important step in getting a job as an engineer here in Germany.

<p>Today I work at INGenium EMSR GmbH in Halle and I am very happy that my current bosses have confidence in me and my skills and that I am an integral part of the team of planning engineers. Since 2024, I have been recognized as a Bachelor of Sc. in Electronics Engineering by the Chamber of Engineers of Saxony-Anhalt and have also become a member of the chamber.

<p>For me, my lifelong dream has come true, both professionally and privately, and if you really make an effort and focus on finding a job here and building your life, you can do it. My next goal now is to become a naturalized citizen, which is also a lengthy process, but I am very optimistic.

The Saxony-Anhalt WelcomeCenter is the state's central point of contact for skilled workers from abroad. Habib Carim also found support from us on his way to Saxony-Anhalt. Today he has arrived - in his job and in his new home in Magdeburg.
As part of the state initiative "Fachkraft im Fokus", the WelcomeCenter offers comprehensive advice, guides foreign skilled workers through the entire process and puts them in touch with relevant contacts. It also promotes the exchange of knowledge in the region through training courses, online seminars and an extensive online information library. The best conditions for arriving here. After all, Saxony-Anhalt has a lot to offer: picturesque nature, a diverse cultural offering, a dynamic economy, affordable housing and excellent childcare.

"Many thanks to Ms Mogdans from the WelcomeCenter Saxony-Anhalt for her support and excellent guidance during the process," says Carim.

Kerstin Mogdans, coordinator for the WelcomeCenter Saxony-Anhalt, is active throughout the state in the Welcome Structures and Family Friendliness department.

<p

<p>If you also need support, the staff at the Saxony-Anhalt WelcomeCenter will be happy to assist you.

I completed a degree in social work in my home country of Ukraine and then studied economics. During my studies, I worked as an emergency paramedic for 8 years. After that, I worked as a bank clerk for 2 years as a consultant in all financial matters. In the following 12 years, I worked as an employment mediator at the job center in my hometown. In this position, I looked after a total of between 300 and 400 customers. I took care of everything. Every day I registered new customers, calculated unemployment benefits, informed unemployed people about job opportunities on the labor market, helped customers to compile their CVs and letters of application and, of course, looked for suitable staff for employers. I looked after around 50 customers a day and made appointments every 10 minutes. My main goal was to match a worker with the right employer. Although the workload was enormous, I really enjoyed this job.

I had to leave my home country due to the outbreak of war in Ukraine. In March 2022, I fled to Magdeburg with my daughter and was accommodated in a hostel. There we received great support from volunteers and a German family. In May 2022, I completed a German course and then completed a B2 integration course. After that, I started looking for a job. Nataliya Detka from the WelcomeCenter Saxony-Anhalt gave me a lot of support. She explained to me how to write an application and a CV here in Germany. She also helped me prepare for job interviews and explained the work culture and communication in the workplace. These are very different from those in Ukraine. Thanks to the great support, I even had the choice between two jobs and finally decided on the position as a job placement officer at the job center. I am really happy with my decision. Our department is relatively small and I have very nice colleagues who are always there to help and advise me. There is a comprehensive induction plan and I hope to be able to carry out my first job placements soon.</p

<p>I really like Magdeburg and hope to find a new home here. My daughter is now studying at Otto von Guericke University and has also settled in quite well.

Tariq Al-Maáitah was born in Jordan and has dreamed of becoming a doctor since he was young. Attending language courses and studying medicine is very expensive in Jordan, but his parents made this path possible for him and after graduating from high school he studied human medicine at Mútah University in Al-Karak from September 2014 to June 2020. From July 2020 to July 2021, he deepened his knowledge in the fields of surgery, internal medicine, gynecology and pediatrics at the Prince Ali Military Hospital in Al-Karak. He then worked as a general practitioner at the "South Jordan For Occupational Health" in Al-Karak until the end of 2022.

<p>While searching for a suitable place for his further medical training, he became aware of the partnership between the German Federal Employment Agency - the ZAV International Placement Services in Bonn - and Jordan and was one of 316 applicants to receive one of the 15 scholarships for entry to Saxony-Anhalt.

<p>Tariq Al-Maáitah entered the Federal Republic of Germany on 10.01.2023 and received his employment contract and accommodation in a clinic in the Harz region on 13.01.2023. At the same time, he attended the C1 specialist language course alongside his work, which he successfully completed on 10.08.2023.</p

<p>After successfully completing the C1 specialist language course and being able to apply for his work permit, he was suddenly confronted with the fact that his fixed-term employment contract could not be extended for financial reasons at the hospital.

In August 2023, Gabriela Nagler from the WelcomeCenter Saxony-Anhalt in Halberstadt was involved in the further process. She immediately contacted the parties involved and the Federal Employment Agency and set all available measures in motion to find Tariq Al-Maáitah a new employer with suitable accommodation. Tariq Al-Maáitah's five-year training as a junior doctor and his planned stay in Germany were at stake. Thanks to the good cooperation between the parties involved, a new solution was found quickly and he was taken on as an employee in the orthopaedics department at the "Teufelsbad" rehabilitation clinic in Blankenburg (Harz) on 1 October 2023 and was also allowed to live there. As the circumstances at the original clinic had changed in the meantime and a new opportunity for employment arose, he decided to continue his career as a vascular surgeon there from December 1, 2023.

The colleagues at the "Teufelsbad" rehabilitation clinic were extremely accommodating and supported him in his decision to continue his specialist training and made it possible for him to change jobs again at short notice.

<p>In the meantime, he has received his professional license. This means that his residence permit is no longer at risk and Saxony-Anhalt has gained a specialist doctor who spares no effort in pursuing his career with determination and successfully completing his specialist training.

<p>Tariq Al-Maáitah greatly appreciates the discipline and high quality standards in Germany, but would like to see less bureaucracy. He is grateful for the support of his parents, Inga Thomsen at the Federal Employment Agency, doctor Katharina Bühl, Alexandra Hahne from the Employer Service, Gabriela Nagler from the WelcomeCenter Saxony-Anhalt and the entire team at the "Teufelsbad" specialist rehabilitation clinic in Blankenburg (Harz).

Aybaniz Garadzhaeva speaks fluent Russian and Ukrainian and is highly sought-after in the German education system thanks to her two diplomas in education. The Ukrainian wants to build a future for her family in Saxony-Anhalt. She sees Magdeburg as a good place to find a new home. And she has now regained her courage, is confident and is looking to the future. "I would also like to stay here and establish myself professionally," says Aybaniz and is looking forward to her first lesson in Germany.

<p>The teacher and social education worker from Kharkiv did not expect to have to leave her home country and start her life anew in another country. The young mother loves her job and working with pupils in her home country, Ukraine. The outbreak of war changes her entire life. For a long time, the ambitious woman tries to keep the lessons going at her school in order to preserve a bit of normality there. But then nothing works anymore. When the windows of the school are shattered by a detonation right in front of her eyes, she has no strength left either. Together with her children, she embarks on a traumatic 30-hour flight to Germany. The terrified family first travels via Berlin to Hanover, from there back to Berlin and then finally to Saxony-Anhalt.

<p>In Magdeburg, Aybaniz Garadzhaeva contacted the state initiative Fachkraft im Fokus through a recommendation and met our regional advisor at the WelcomeCenter, Nataliya Detka. The detailed and very emotional conversation between the two women in their native language gives Aybaniz a sense of security. She quickly gains confidence in our emphatic and knowledgeable regional advisor. Nataliya Detka explains the priority and sequence of the measures to be taken and immediately contacts the regional education authority. In a very short time, all the important documents are compiled together and sent to the office. Now Aybaniz Garadzhaeva can hardly wait for the feedback and her new career start in Saxony-Anhalt.

"It is truly one of the beverages that no company, restaurant or industry should be without - coffee," says Johannes Lübbers, who is urgently looking for a field service technician for his company for whom mobility is not an obstacle. "Rent coffee machines and water dispensers at a reasonable price and enjoy the highest quality! We have been offering a complete coffee service in Saxony-Anhalt, Saxony, Brandenburg, Berlin and Lower Saxony since 1991. A full service is a matter of course for us! Whether it's a technical problem with the fully automatic coffee machine or the delivery of new filling products, with us everything comes from a single source!"</p

<p>Johannes Lübbers, Managing Partner of procon GmbH, turned to the state initiative Fachkraft im Fokus in February 2022. André Gottschalk, regional consultant for companies, initially takes care of the entrepreneur's request. It soon transpires that the company is quite willing to invite skilled workers with a migration background to interviews for the full-time position to be filled.</p

<p>The regional consultant at the Saxony-Anhalt WelcomeCenter, Nataliya Detka, supports the entrepreneur in the search for suitable skilled workers and advises him on all issues relating to their professional and social integration. She suggests a total of four Ukrainians and Belarusians as candidates to Johannes Lübbers. Two of them will be invited to an interview in March.</p

<p>Mr. Rafayevych has lived in Germany for 20 years. He convinces the entrepreneur of his technical understanding and is offered a permanent position as a field service technician with a six-month probationary period. His area of responsibility is the maintenance and repair of commercially used hot and cold beverage systems. Mr. Rafayevych familiarizes himself very quickly and competently with his area of responsibility. "He is friendly, nice, reliable and extremely interested. The company is very happy with him. Nevertheless, there is unfortunately a significant language barrier, which could become a problem for procon GmbH," adds Johannes Lübbers. Mr. Rafayevych is therefore receiving a great deal of support from the company so that he can quickly improve his language skills. He is motivated to complete a language course alongside his work and is also supported by his colleagues. Everyone hopes that Mr. Rafayevych will be able to integrate very quickly in terms of language skills and qualify as an excellent mentor in the process.

Motivated employees are the basis for the success of your company

It doesn't have to be a daycare center - there are many ways to design family-friendly measures in your company.Kerstin Mogdans is a coordinator at the Saxony-Anhalt WelcomeCenter of the state initiative Fachkraft im Fokus. As part of her multifaceted consulting activities, Ms. Mogdans also sensitizes employers to the possibilities of designing family-friendly measures in their companies. This is not necessarily about the big projects. Rather, it is the small ideas that do not always have to cost money or involve large investments. Kerstin Mogdans attaches great importance to finding and adopting solutions together that suit the company and its employees. Karsten Doll, Managing Director of Rettungstechnik Doll GmbH, expressed the fact that this message was well received by the entrepreneurs in an event feedback:

"On February 22, 2022, we held a workshop with our managers at our company. The aim was to sensitize the team to the topics of adapting the company guidelines, family orientation and developing suitable measures for implementation. The aim was also to make communication more successful in order to motivate, retain and attract specialists and to strengthen the external and internal image of the company. The workshop with lots of input and group work under the moderation of Kerstin Mogdans was very constructive and goal-oriented, as it was about making existing good structures visible in (potential) comparison with the ideas and wishes of our employees. We were put on the right track here and possibilities were discussed. We will continue to actively work on the planned measures and push ahead with their implementation.
We would like to express our sincere thanks for the interesting impetus and good moderation."