EURES helps Pere begin a new career abroad

Having worked in various jobs across different sectors in his home country, Pere Castellvell was looking for a job in the hotel and catering sector when he attended the ‘Living and Working in Germany’ event in Catalonia, Spain.

At the event, Pere expressed an interest in potential opportunities in Germany and was put in contact with EURES Adviser Sofia Tornikidou from International Placement Services (Zentrale Auslands- und Fachvermittlung, ZAV), a department of the German Federal Employment Agency.

EURES Adviser helps identify vocational opportunities

Sofia began to help Pere look for job opportunities in Germany. Until then, Pere had been focusing on the hotel and catering sector but had not been able to find many opportunities due to his lack of relevant skills and experience. Sofia encouraged him to widen his search and look for an apprenticeship to specialise in a different industry. Germany is well-known for its vocational education and training sector and Sofia knew there would be opportunities for Pere in the country.

“As a career counsellor, I advised him about vocational training opportunities as a young person in Germany,” she recalls. “After I explained the education system in Germany, I suggested [applying for] apprenticeships. We revised the application documents together and talked about funding opportunities.”

Financial support through Your first EURES job

With Sofia’s help, Pere secured an apprenticeship as a warehouse operator with a company in Stuttgart, Germany. Sofia also helped Pere to receive financial support through the ‘Your first EURES job’ scheme. Your first EURES job is a job mobility scheme for EU citizens aged 18-35 who are looking for a job or training opportunity abroad in the EU. The scheme provided financial support to help with Pere’s relocation to Germany.

Continuing his new career in a specialised role

When Pere completed his apprenticeship in 2019, the company offered him an opportunity to further his career by training as a warehouse logistics specialist. Pere recognises how far he has come in his career since moving to Germany and is thankful to EURES for the support. “Thanks, EURES and ZAV. I’m so grateful and glad to be able to use this fantastic opportunity that Europe gave to me,” he remarks. “I celebrate this opportunity and can recommend vocational training.”

With EURES’ support, Pere has gained new skills and a professional qualification. He now wants to keep moving forward in his career and is working on his German and English language skills to prepare him for further challenges. “I’ve still got room to grow,” he says.

If you too are aged 18-35 and interested in finding a job or training opportunity in another EU country, Norway or Iceland, Your first EURES job may be able to help you. To find out more, contact a EURES Adviser or visit: https://www.yourfirsteuresjob.eu/

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