Four months after the announcement of the German government's so-called "job turbo", Federal Labour Minister Hubertus Heil visited a REWE supermarket in Berlin. There, he met with HR Director Daniela Büchel and two Ukrainian employees to find out about the practical implementation of the integration of refugees on site. The Federal Minister of Labour plans to use the "Job Turbo" to achieve faster job placement for refugees with the prospect of permanent residence.
Daniela Büchel gave the minister a tour of the store together with Anhelina Kirnadz, a REWE order picker from Eitting, and Olena Antonova, a REWE sales assistant from Munich. The two women spoke about their journey to Germany, learning the German language and their start in our company.
"In times of labour shortages, it is more important than ever to offer qualified people real career prospects pragmatically and quickly and to show them concrete development opportunities. This is exactly where the 'Job Turbo' comes in: It supports the Federal Employment Agency, job centres, companies and politicians in pulling together to optimise processes, reduce bureaucratic hurdles and, above all, provide encouragement. Because behind every employee is a personal story," says HR Director Büchel.
"Work is the best form of integration. With the 'Job Turbo' programme, we are helping refugees to make the most of their career opportunities and build a future for themselves in Germany," said Minister Heil. "It's important to support people, because they didn't come to Germany for social benefits, they fled the war in their country."
Background information on the "job turbo"
On 18 October, Labour Minister Hubertus Heil (SPD) and Andrea Nahles, head of the Federal Employment Agency, outlined measures for integrating more refugees with prospects of remaining in Germany - particularly those from Ukraine - into the labour market more quickly.
This involves a potential of around 400,000 people. Heil also emphasised that this integration turbo depends on the cooperation of companies and the people to be placed: Employers are needed who give refugees a chance, even if they do not yet speak perfect German.
REWE Group order picker Anhelina Kirnadz spoke to one about her escape and arrival in Germany a year ago: https: //one.rewe-group.com/magazin/magazin-artikel/item/Article/showMag/jung-mutig-und-stark-kollegin-kirnadz-anhelina-ueber-ihre-flucht-aus-der-ukraine-und-ihren-start-in-deutschland