German employment issues for Ukrainian woman - German-based Ukrainian woman's unemployment status explained
A 42-year-old Ukrainian woman, Olha Isaienko, has recently relocated to Berlin, Germany, with 14 years of chemical engineering experience from Energoprojekt in Kyiv. However, she finds herself facing challenges in the German job market due to a lack of language skills and local certificates.
Despite these obstacles, Olha remains determined to secure a full-time job in Berlin that aligns with her diploma and experience. She has applied for various positions, including technical drafter roles, but has received few responses.
Olha believes that it might be difficult for older people to find work in the German labor market. Nevertheless, she is not deterred and is exploring several strategies to overcome these challenges.
- International and Remote Jobs: Olha is focusing on remote engineering positions that do not require immediate German language proficiency. Platforms like Remote Rocketship list remote mechanical engineering jobs accessible from Germany that may suit her skills, even if the job titles or specific fields differ slightly.
- Multinational and Innovative Companies: Olha is targeting companies, particularly startups or those involved in technology development, that may value her extensive engineering experience over local certificates. While many defence tech companies are Ukraine-based, German companies working with similar technologies or growing remote teams might be open to hiring skilled engineers with no German certificates but strong practical expertise.
- Specialized Recruitment Services: Olha is considering working with Ukrainian-focused recruiters or those specialized in tech and engineering. These recruiters can facilitate placing experienced Ukrainian professionals in Germany, providing connections, advising on bridging certificates, and finding job roles suitable despite language or certification gaps.
- Language Support and Certificate Recognition Services: Germany offers programs to evaluate foreign qualifications and assist with language learning. Olha is pursuing quick German language courses or recognition of her Ukrainian degree and experience to improve her job prospects. Some jobs require minimal language skills initially, especially in technical roles where English is acceptable.
- Companies Offering Integration or Training: Olha is interested in companies that provide onboarding or training for experienced professionals from abroad, easing language and certification requirements. Emphasizing her long work experience during applications or interviews can open doors even if formal German certificates are missing.
- Networking and Community Engagement: Olha is joining Ukrainian or chemical engineering professional communities in Berlin or Germany to gain leads on job openings not publicly advertised and possibilities for internships or volunteer work to gain local experience and references.
In addition, Olha is considering an internship or further training with a recognized German certificate to improve her chances of finding employment. She is also interested in doing additional training for Revit.
Funds from unemployment benefits can be used for the payment of courses if the job center cannot cover them. Olha came to Germany from Kyiv in March 2022 and is familiar with CAD, proficient in Excel and Word.
Reducing unemployment benefits might motivate some unemployed individuals to become more active in their job search. An individual approach should be taken for those with university degrees, allowing more time to reach a high level of German, complete further training, recognize their diploma, and handle other formalities.
- To enhance her opportunities, Olha considers enrolling in vocational training programs for obtaining a recognized German certificate, such as those focusing on Revit.
- In her job search, Olha plans to engage with fashion-and-beauty, food-and-drink, home-and-garden, lifestyle, pets, relationships, travel, cars, and shopping communities in Berlin, participating in events and networking sessions for potential contacts.
- Recognizing the importance of online presence, Olha intends to update her profile on professional platforms like LinkedIn, highlighting her background in chemical engineering and recent experiences.
- Despite the challenges, Olha is dedicated to improving her German skills, investing in language courses sponsored by her unemployment benefits or her own funds.
- In accordance with her long-term goals, Olha considers vocational training opportunities in various sectors including fashion, beauty, hospitality, home improvement, and automotive, as they may lead to a full-time job that aligns with her skills and passion in the German job market.
