From refugee to skilled worker: Ahmad Yousufi finds his place in the workforce

After a long and challenging journey in Germany, the 27-year-old Ahmad Yousufi has found not only a new home but also a clear career path. He successfully completed his training as a precision machinist with us and is now an integral part of our team. His journey began in Afghanistan, where he grew up in a modest but supportive family environment. Ahmad never got to know his father, who died before he was born. Despite these circumstances, he describes his childhood as relatively carefree. He took on responsibilities from an early age. At the age of nine, he began working in a tailor’s shop, where he initially carried out simple tasks such as sewing on buttons. Several years later, he completed training to become a tailor himself. “Even as a child, I enjoyed learning new things and working. But I never would have imagined leaving my homeland,” he says.

It was a nightmare

The dire political situation in Afghanistan led Ahmad to rethink his situation. Because of the constant bomb attacks, his mother recommended that he leave his homeland and flee to Turkiye via Iran. He first worked as a dishwasher so that he could start rebuilding his life. But it soon became clear to him that he wanted to make more of his life.

With the goal of finding better education and future opportunities, he set off on his journey. He tried to reach Central Europe via Greece – often on foot, without valid documentation, and with only two other young men for support. “My journey to Germany was a nightmare,” says Ahmad in retrospect.

But on January 1, 2015, he finally made it to Würzburg. There, he was stopped by the police and placed in accommodation within a residential group home. For the first time in a long while, he was able to sleep in a bed. He still didn’t have a specific goal at that time. However, he was immediately impressed by the freedom he experienced in Germany.

New beginnings and new perspectives

Ahmad took advantage of every opportunity that came his way. He took German language courses, got his secondary school qualifications, and then completed training as a childcare worker. He originally wanted to study psychology, but because his request for asylum was declined and he lacked the financial resources, this was not possible.

So he started as a childcare worker and integration assistant. While building a wooden playhouse, he discovered his passion for craftsmanship. ”I was able to unwind, forget my experiences, and fully concentrate on work,” he says.

The path into the skilled trades

This experience led him to seek out a new career. He decided to pursue a skilled trade and began actively searching for an apprenticeship position. After sending out many applications and completing internships, he found a position at König & Meyer. “I was overjoyed when I received the offer,” he recalls.

And we still vividly remember our first impression. “From the very beginning, Ahmad impressed us with his motivation and positive attitude,” says Christof Vogel, our training coordinator. “For us, it is important to not only teach young people professional skills but also personally support and mentor them.”

The training was full of challenges: new technical terms, new tools, and a completely new work routine. He was particularly confused by the different names used for the same tool. “There was a lot I needed to learn. For example, that an angle grinder and a Flex® are the same thing,” he says.

Nevertheless, Ahmad persevered, worked hard, and successfully completed his training in February 2026.

Now a part of our team

Ahmad is now an integral part of our team and works as a precision machinist in tool construction. He looks to the future with optimism because he knows he has found his place. What he particularly values about Germany is the strong sense of social solidarity: “The principle of solidarity—that the strong help the weak—means a lot to me.”

Cultural differences have become part of his everyday life. He was initially not a fan of cold dinners, but now he appreciates the classic German “Abendbrot”. He’s just not a big fan of sandwiches prepared the day before.

Your training with us: Your opportunity.

Ahmad’s story shows what is possible when you take advantage of the opportunities you are presented with. This is precisely where we come in. For several years now, we have been training the skilled workers of tomorrow and supporting young people on their career paths.

Whether in the industrial and technical sector or in a commercial environment, with us, you can expect more than just a training position. From the very beginning, you are part of the team, are able to take on responsibility, and have the opportunity to contribute your own strengths.

For us, it is important that you not only acquire the necessary technical expertise but also develop as a person and gain long-term perspectives. If you demonstrate motivation, willingness, and interest, you will have an excellent chance of securing a permanent position with us.

Taking advantage of opportunities and shaping your future

Ahmad’s career path is a prime example of the potential hidden in people—regardless of where they come from. His message is clear:

“Keep going, set yourself goals, and do something you truly enjoy. Regardless of where you started out, if you work with discipline and strive to follow your dreams, you can achieve a lot.”