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Tayfun Tombul, Motor vehicle body and vehicle construction mechanic

Thanks to the recog­ni­tion I can fi­nal­ly use my full man­pow­er

Tayfun Tombul came from Turkey in 2011. After taking adaptation training in the context of the recognition procedure, he obtained full recognition of his Turkish training qualification as a motor vehicle body and vehicle construction mechanic.

My advice
Pa­tience and per­se­ver­ance are re­quired. Once you have de­cid­ed to take this route, you should go through with it right up to the end.
Profile
Name
Tayfun Tombul
Age
29
Reference occupation
Motor vehicle body and vehicle construction mechanic
Country of origin of qualification
Turkey
Current job
Motor vehicle body and vehicle construction mechanic

My story

He hadn't worried too much about his occupational future. "I was sure that I had a professional qualification and therefore could cope with the work in Germany very well," recalls Tayfun Tombul, who had completed a three-year course of training as a motor vehicle body and vehicle construction mechanic in his home town of Ankara. After qualifying as a journeyman and taking the Turkish master's examination, he worked there for another five years.

He succeeded in starting over directly in Berlin with a job in the auto sector, although it was only in repairs. "Without the recognition I was not given a job in the body work area, although actually I would not have needed it. That was very frustrating. Now, with the recognition of my qualification, I'm really Independent and equipped for the job market", says Tayfun Tombul.

The impetus to apply for recognition of his Turkish certificates came initially from the Job Centre, which sent the 29-year-old to the Berlin Chamber of Crafts (HWK). The Chamber of Crafts provided Tayfun Tombul with comprehensive advice and researched the appropriate German reference occupation. An examination of the documents showed, however, that adaptation training was required for full recognition of his journeyman's qualification. "The training provider where I underwent the adaptation measure worked out a personal qualification plan for me. I then boned up on the German regulations in the training workshop; obviously I had not learned them during my Turkish training."

The greatest challenge for him during the five-month course of training was that he could not go out to work. Tayful Tombul received financial support from the Job Centre during that period, but he felt self-conscious personally because he was not able to deploy his manpower and his élan directly in the labour market. With the support of his wife and with strength of will he completed the adaptation measure in a motivated manner.

He then submitted the certificate to the Chamber of Crafts in Berlin. Another three months later, Tayfun Tombul was delighted to receive his full recognition. He now works in the body department, so he is no longer working below his qualifications. "Although I am living in a foreign country with other customs, I feel much more self-secure. I have a successful career and can prove to myself and everyone that I am qualified. That makes me happy!"

Photograph: © Portal “Recognition in Germany“/BIBB

The interview with Tayfun Tombul was conducted in November 2014.

My procedure in brief

  1. In Turkey, Tayfun Tombul completes the three-year training as a motor vehicle body and vehicle construction mechanic. Following the journeyman examination and the master craftsman examination, he gains five years of professional experience
  2. In 2011 he comes to Germany with his wife. In Berlin he finds a job in a repair workshop.
  3. Tayfun Tombul applies for recognition of his professional qualification. For full recognition he is required to complete refresher training.
  4. He receives financial support from the job centre for the five-month refresher training in an apprentice workshop.
  5. After three months Tayfun Tombul receives full recognition as a motor vehicle body and vehicle construction mechanic. Since then he has been working at a level appropriate to his qualification in motor vehicle body construction.