How people and companies in Jena live interculturality
Every year, the i-work Business Award recognises companies in Jena that are exemplary in promoting intercultural openness in the business environment. The many practical examples from the i-work competition present the companies where integration succeeds in everyday working life and show how people at the workplace and beyond are committed to the cooperation of cultures. Would you like to learn more about how arriving in Jena and in your new job can be a success? Our blog series presents many interesting examples.
Meet Sherwan Shokri here
Sherwan Shokri is originally from Iraq and now works as a journeyman bricklayer at Dunkel, Veit & Heppner GmbH in Jena. He tells us how Dunkel, Veit & Heppner makes it easier for international employees to start their new jobs and settle in Jena.
How did you end up in Jena?
I came directly to Germany in December 2015 without any detours. I wanted to and came to Jena via the reception stations in Gera and Mühlhausen to continue working here as a craftsman.
What do you like most about your work and your company?
Even at the first short work trial, I felt that I was welcome. I was very happy about the offer to do an apprenticeship here and accepted it. The colleagues gave me a chance to convince with will and performance.
I always wanted to create something lasting with my hands. In my home country I already worked as a roofer. Now as a bricklayer. Because you can see houses for a long time. And the inhabitants also remember us construction workers for a long time.
What challenges were you faced with when you came to Jena / started in your company? How did you overcome these challenges?
It was difficult for me to learn and use the German language. For everyday use, my girlfriend helped me in particular. For my work in construction, I got more tutoring thanks to my company.
How did your company support you the most?
In finding a flat, with an advance payment, a trainee ticket and further tutoring in mathematics and German.
What are the biggest differences in everyday work and life between your home and Jena?
The health and safety at work and overall the working conditions, tools and work clothes.
What is typically German / typically Jena for you?
The willingness to help, reliability.
Thank you very much for the interview and all the best for your future in Jena!
Dunkel, Veit & Heppner GmbH: About us
In 2018, we three partners founded the building trade business in the course of the company succession from the renowned construction company Tamm & Heppner. For complete conversions of private houses, we work together with the clients to adapt the building’s character and structures to today’s living and lifestyle requirements. With impressive, exemplary references, we promote our guild trade today and in the future, which creates and maintains long-term values. We are also involved in the building guild.
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Wir beraten Sie individuell beim Ankommen und Einleben in Jena, zeigen Ihnen Anlaufstellen für Ihren beruflichen Weg und finden zusammen mit unseren Kooperationspartner:innen weitere Kontakte für Sie. Wir freuen uns von Ihnen zu hören!
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