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Lost in the vicinity of Primark and Decathlon

Job hunters and employers in Berlin's most prominent mall regularly miss connection, largely attributed to the stiff job qualifications set by companies.

Lost in the vicinity, surrounding Primark and Decathlon stores
Lost in the vicinity, surrounding Primark and Decathlon stores

Lost in the vicinity of Primark and Decathlon

In the heart of Berlin, the Gropius Passagen hosted the 'Shop a Job' career fair on a recent morning. This event, held regularly since 2014, saw approximately 70 companies represented, including larger entities like Vivantes, the police, Zapf removals, security, and logistics service providers.

Two 16-year-olds, currently in the 11th grade at a vocational school, were seeking apprenticeships. One of them, Mohammed, a 23-year-old from Guinea, has had a work permit for two years and has been working mainly in the kitchen for the past two years. Despite his experience, Mohammed has faced challenges due to his insufficient German language skills. He had previously been rejected by the Berlin waste management company (BSR), a dream target for him.

However, Mohammed is not deterred. He has an appointment with a cleaning company for a personal interview to prove his language skills. Meanwhile, he is also looking to improve his chances by collecting signatures at the fair, possibly as part of an evaluation or competition.

Mohammed is not alone in his job search. Another teenager is interested in becoming an electrician but has yet to receive any response from companies regarding his applications. Despite not finding relevant companies, the young woman did not want to turn down the invitation from the job center.

The fair offered free goods like flyers, pens, and other goodies to attendees. One could even find a table printed on an A4 sheet, possibly indicating a sign-up or registration sheet.

Interestingly, a representative from a parcel delivery service stated that language skills are not a significant concern for them when hiring. This suggests that there may be opportunities for individuals like Mohammed who are keen to work but face language barriers.

High German language skills are often a requirement for job placement, causing rejection for many well-qualified or highly motivated individuals. This underscores the importance of initiatives like the 'Shop a Job' career fair in providing a platform for job seekers to connect with potential employers.

The next 'Shop a Job' event is scheduled for September 17 and 18, 2025, offering another opportunity for job seekers to navigate the job market and take a step closer to their career goals.

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