Skip to content

Lost in the vicinity of Primark and Decathlon

Job seekers, apprentices, and potential employers converge at Berlin's largest shopping center, but the match seldom occurs due to the demanding criteria set by employers.

Confused amidst Primark and Decathlon establishments
Confused amidst Primark and Decathlon establishments

Lost in the vicinity of Primark and Decathlon

In the heart of Berlin, the Gropius Passages are buzzing with activity as the annual 'Shop a Job' career fair takes place. The event, which has been running since 2014, brings together numerous companies and job seekers, including Mohammed, a 23-year-old from Guinea who has been residing in Berlin for two years with a work permit.

Mohammed, who has mainly worked in the kitchen, is seeking a new direction in his career. However, his German language skills have been a stumbling block in his job search, with the Berlin waste management company, BSR, rejecting him due to his proficiency. Determined to prove his capabilities, Mohammed has an appointment with a cleaning company for a personal interview.

Among the companies present are large entities such as Vivantes, the police, Zapf removals, and various security and logistics service providers. Even smaller companies, like a parcel delivery service, are represented, with their representatives stating that language skills aren't a priority in their applicants.

The atmosphere is lively, with young people holding flyers, free pens, and other giveaways. One teenager, aspiring to be an electrician, shares his frustration at not receiving any responses from companies. Nearby, two 16-year-olds from the 11th grade of a vocational school are speaking with a representative of the German railway company.

Not everyone finds the fair relevant to their career aspirations. A young woman from museum management expresses her disappointment at the lack of suitable companies for her at the fair. Yet, she waits in line for a free styling session and application photo, hoping to make a good impression.

With approximately 70 companies represented, mostly with small stands in the shopping center's corridors, the 'Shop a Job' fair presents a bustling hub of opportunity for those seeking employment in Berlin. Despite the challenges, the determination of job seekers like Mohammed remains undeterred, as they continue their search for the right job and the chance to prove their worth.

Read also:

Latest