"Carpentry is a craft – something you do with your hands."
Nico is a young carpenter from the west German town of Kaarst. His Team works! internship last summer took him to a woodworking firm in Kigali, Rwanda. Read about his experiences there, not all of which were work-related. In fact, the internship ended up having quite an impact on his personal life too!
Das Interview
Where did you do your internship? And what were your main tasks there?
I did my internship at Kalka + Partner Woodworking. My tasks were passing on technical knowledge, improving health and safety, structuring workshop processes and helping out on one or two construction sites.
What did you learn during your internship be it from colleagues, line managers or elsewhere? And what knowledge were you able to share?
I was amazed by the incredibly beautiful and elegant furniture they made with the simplest of tools. In Germany, every carpentry firm works with high tech equipment and expensive machinery but my time in Rwanda was a reminder that carpentry is a craft – something you do with your hands. You don’t always need a lot to create works of art.
I hope I managed to teach them some health and safety measures and motivate them to keep the workshop in good order.
Why did you choose Team works! and the AGYO?
Once I’d finished my carpentry apprenticeship, I was keen to go abroad some day and put my skills to good use there. I wanted to spend some time outside of Germany. After having spent a while looking into the possibilities, I came across the AGYO. It sounded like a really great programme and an opportunity to share my knowledge and help others.
What surprised you the most?
Rwanda is a very clean, peaceful and gorgeous country. The people are incredibly hospitable and always give you a hearty welcome. We think of Rwanda as a developing country but the people there are content with what they’ve got. They’re happy and full of joy.
What were the advantages of being in a tandem team with an SES senior expert?
It was hugely beneficial to have someone with me who had a lot of experience of life. I learned a great deal of importance for my own life from the senior expert. Being in a team of two also puts you at ease. That was good because it was my first trip to an African country.
What would be your advice for other young people interested in an internship abroad?
Do it! Don’t be scared, just do it. Everything else will fall into place.
What three things have you taken away from your internship?
- I actually met my wife during my trip.
- I think the less people have, the more they give.
- Don’t be afraid of change.
What will you never forget?
I’d have to say the entire trip. There were so many beautiful moments, so many new experiences, it’s difficult to say. But if I had to pick one, it would be the evening when I met my wife for the first time.
Join Team works!
Would you like to join Team works! and do an internship in a German company and gain similar experience? Then apply today using our form. Just enter your data, send it, done!