Apprenticeships are one of the most effective routes for young people and adults to get on the career ladder, and a perfect way to retrain later in life. With support from the European Social Fund (ESF), the ‘Dream Job in the Skilled Trades’ project is helping residents of Hamburg, Germany to launch their careers.  

Laura is among them. After finishing school Laura started a hairdressing apprenticeship. When she became pregnant, her life changed – and she quit her training. For many years, Laura devoted herself full-time to parenting and raised a family of three children.

‘I liked the [apprenticeship] a lot, but I had to be present for my children,’ Laura explains.

Then, at 34 years old, Laura decided it was time to focus on her professional goals once again: ‘Now my kids are in kindergarten and school, but I have no vocational qualifications. I knew I needed to change this, because I am a role model for my kids and for myself. I wanted to pick up where I left when I got pregnant: finishing my apprenticeship to finally become a hairdresser.’

Luckily for Laura, the ESF-funded project was there to help her secure a technical apprenticeship. As part of the support package, training specialists at the Hamburg Chamber of Crafts offer one-to-one support including portfolio reviews, interview preparation and targeted searches.

Laura called them and within a few days, she was back on track with her career.

‘I told Mr. Scholz about my experiences so far,’ she says. ‘He took time to listen to my wishes, past experiences and my current situation. With the material we [developed together], I applied to several companies, and I was surprised by the positive reactions I received […] Soon, I found a company that gave me an internship and afterwards offered me a place as their apprentice [...] And this is how I got my job!’

Laura is thrilled at how quickly she managed to find the right opportunity for her. ‘It took only one month from calling the Chamber of Crafts to signing my contract. Now I already have some experience and I have to say that it worked out very well with my company. I was way better in school than I thought I would be.’

The project will continue strengthening employment opportunities in Hamburg until December 2023, having already supported more than 600 people towards their dream jobs as opticians, bakers, roofers, photographers, hairdressers, plumbers, carpenters and many more professions.