From Arrival to Taking Off: How Ahmad Builds His Future at Manitou Deutschland

• Ahmad, a refugee from Afghanistan, successfully integrated into Manitou Deutschland GmbH through an apprenticeship in Management Assistance for Wholesale and International Trade.

• His rapid German language acquisition and support from the GFW CareerCompass project were crucial to his career start and application process.

• Manitou positions itself as a modern, diverse employer offering versatile training and real future prospects in stable industries.

• Ahmad's apprenticeship includes varied tasks across departments, fostering technical knowledge and language skills, while the company culture promotes inclusion and team spirit.

• He advises other refugees to focus on language learning, societal integration, and goal-setting to build a successful professional future in Germany.

The integration of refugees into the labor market is one of the greatest challenges of our time—and at the same time a huge opportunity to combat the skilled labor shortage. Manitou Deutschland GmbH is gladly taking on this responsibility.

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The story of Ahmad demonstrates how such a path—fleeing his home country with several stopovers—can ultimately lead to success. In mid-2023, he left his native Afghanistan, initially heading to Russia, and arrived in Germany the following summer. Today, just over three years later, he is fully integrated into the team at Manitou Deutschland GmbH, where he is successfully completing his apprenticeship. For Manitou, this success story is a prime example of how modern youth development and lived diversity go hand in hand.

International Flair and Diversity: Apprenticeships at Manitou

From Friedrichsdorf in Hesse, the German subsidiary of the French Manitou Group manages the entire dealer network for the construction, agriculture, and industrial sectors across Germany, Austria, and Switzerland (DACH region). Ahmad found his place in this dynamic, international environment in September 2025: he is completing an apprenticeship as a Management Assistant for Wholesale and International Trade. This profession offers a vast spectrum at Manitou: from customer service to marketing, Ahmad learns all facets of a globally active market leader. Manitou deliberately positions itself as a modern training company that offers young talents far more than a traditional desk job—namely, real future prospects in crisis-proof industries.

The Key to Success: Language Training and Proper Guidance

From the very beginning, Ahmad's journey was characterized by an incredible eagerness to learn. Shortly after arriving in Germany, he already spoke good German and successfully completed his B2 language course in 2025. The decisive push for his career start ultimately came from professional support through the "CareerCompass" project by the Gesellschaft für Wirtschaftskunde (GFW) e.V. This free program is aimed at young people who need assistance transitioning into professional life. It places great value on personal, practical guidance to identify potential and pave concrete paths into employment. In Ahmad's case, it was GFW coach Peter Sauer who provided individual guidance in his choice of career, throughout the entire application process, and in the search for the right company—with great success. The fact that Ahmad and Manitou Germany came together so successfully is also thanks to the educational provider's 60 years of expertise. Working in close cooperation with job centers, employment agencies, schools, and regional companies, the association offers low-threshold qualifications, language courses, and coaching. Their overriding motto is: "Every person deserves the opportunity to find their own career path and shape it successfully."

A Strong Signal for Potential Applicants

For Manitou Germany, collaborating with the GFW and committing to Ahmad is an important signal in the competition for tomorrow's skilled workers. As an attractive and open employer, the company values personality, motivation, and the willingness to develop further. Anyone joining Manitou benefits from flat hierarchies, strong team spirit, and the stability of an international corporation.

The Interview: Insights into Ahmad's Daily Work Life

How did Ahmad experience his first steps at Manitou Germany? How versatile is his apprenticeship in wholesale and international trade really, and what advice does he have for other applicants who want to seize their chance? In the following interview, the apprentice offers personal insights into his journey and daily routine.

"Ahmad, you left Afghanistan in 2022 and initially studied and lived in Russia on an IT scholarship. In June 2023, you finally arrived in Berlin. Looking back at your first few weeks here: What was your very first impression of Germany?"

Initially, I felt a bit lost in Berlin. There were so many people from diverse cultures, buildings that looked different from my homeland—everything was new, different, big, but above all, vibrant and diverse. I liked all of it very much. I was simply happy and glad to be there. You could truly feel the freedom and democracy, and I enjoyed just observing everything and taking it all in.

"A new country, a completely new culture—what helped you the most in finding your way around during those early days?"

My aunt, my uncle, and my cousin, who live in the Frankfurt area, helped me the most. At first, I couldn't speak the language yet and was quite helpless regarding how life in Germany works and what you need to do to integrate as quickly as possible.

"You learned German incredibly fast and achieved your B2 certificate as early as 2025. What was your secret to language learning? Watching a lot of TV, conversations, or pure vocabulary cramming?"

Besides my language courses and interacting with other people, books and TV shows helped me a lot to learn the language. I especially enjoy watching shows like "Maischberger" or "Bares für Rares." My favorite channel is "Arte," where I love watching wildlife documentaries.

"You came to Manitou through the GFW's 'Career Compass' project. How important was the support from your coach, Peter Sauer, for you?"

The support from Peter Sauer was extremely important and helpful to me because, for instance, I didn't know how to create a proper resume in Germany. He gave me tips, advised me, and searched for open positions for me. Finally, he came across the position at Manitou. It was fortunate that the apprenticeship at Manitou didn't start until September, as I only received my recognition documents back from the authorities in July—without which I couldn't have applied. Otherwise, I would have had to wait another year to reapply.

"Why did you choose the apprenticeship as a Management Assistant for Wholesale and International Trade, specializing in foreign trade? What appealed to you about this profession?"

It is important to me to work in a profession where you have a lot of contact with other people and where you carry out many diverse tasks. That way, it never gets boring, and you are constantly challenged in new ways. Additionally, I am very interested in languages and have the opportunity to learn French here in my second year.

"Do you remember how you felt when the acceptance letter from Manitou arrived in your inbox?"

I was very happy and relieved, and at first, I didn't even know how to act. Should I thank the HR department?

"Do you still remember your very first workday? How were you received by your colleagues on the team?"

My first workday at Manitou was on Monday, September 1, 2025. I was given a tour of the building, and there was an introduction round in all departments, which was great for an initial overview. Everyone was very friendly and open, so I immediately felt at home. At lunchtime, I was invited to have lunch with the Managing Director. Within the first few weeks, I felt valued and important, and I quickly became part of the team. I never felt disadvantaged or like I was being given easier tasks because I'm a foreigner; instead, I was properly involved in the workflows of the respective departments right from the start.

"The apprenticeship in wholesale and international trade here is known for being very versatile. Which tasks have you enjoyed the most so far?"

Every department has its own specifics. So far, I've found all areas interesting and have been able to learn a lot, including about the various software programs the individual departments use. I particularly enjoyed internal sales. There, colleagues handle things like generating machine documentation and registrations. In the spare parts department, I mostly processed support tickets, which taught me a lot about the machines, attachments, and spare parts. Additionally, I was allowed to accompany two colleagues from the warranty department on a warranty audit at a customer site in Southern Germany. That was also very exciting. I am also looking forward to upcoming rotations, such as the marketing department.

"Manitou works with many large machines for construction, agriculture, and industry—did you have to get used to all the technical jargon first, or were you instantly fascinated by the technology?"

I didn't have much prior technical knowledge, but the machines fascinated me right from the start. I had to learn most of the machine designations and technical terms as I went along. Later in my apprenticeship, I would like to get my forklift license, which I'm really looking forward to.

"Besides German and your native Persian (Dari), what other languages do you speak or would like to learn?"

I also speak Russian and English. Since Manitou is a French company, I would like to learn French in my second year of training.

"When you're not working at Manitou or studying for vocational school: How do you spend your free time? Have you discovered any specific hobbies or sports?"

I am passionate about cooking—currently mostly German cuisine. I love nature, plants, animals (especially small birds), reading, watching nature documentaries, and I'm currently learning the local Hessian dialect. I also enjoy playing basketball with my classmates from vocational school.

“Is there anything from your Afghan homeland—for example, a specific dish or a tradition—that you would like to share with or cook for your colleagues at Manitou?"

I have already cooked Afghan dumplings (Mantu) filled with minced beef, onions, and various spices at the company. I've also learned how to prepare German dishes like meatballs (Frikadellen), beef roulades, schnitzel, and even Hessian Green Sauce. I received great feedback from the team for those!

"Looking back at your journey over the past year, how do you feel today in 2026? What does this apprenticeship spot mean to you?"

I am very grateful for the opportunity to work in such a great company with wonderful colleagues. At Manitou, I feel well-integrated and secure. Without prospects in life, one can easily become depressed, but now, with my work at Manitou and vocational school, I have a goal and a daily purpose. The apprenticeship is scheduled for three years, but I want to keep striving for good grades so I can shorten it to two and a half years.

"What advice would you give to other young people who come to Germany as refugees and want to build a professional future here?"

In my view, the most important thing is to consistently and thoroughly learn the language—you have to focus on that completely. Language is the key to successful integration; otherwise, you won't find an apprenticeship or university spot. Only if you are a well-trained skilled worker will you have opportunities in the job market. Furthermore, it is essential to integrate into society. You must not isolate yourself, but rather live in and with the community. You should always look forward, set goals for yourself, and pursue them tenaciously.

"Thank you very much for the interview, and all the best for your future!"