International recruitment from Vietnam: A measuring instrument manufacturer takes a new approach

Global market leader IMS Messsysteme has successfully recruited four Vietnamese electricians and mechatronics technicians in the fight against the shortage of skilled professionals. One of them is Thanh Phat Nguyen, who has found not only a new career perspective with IMS, but also an employer that actively supports his integration – from learning German to finding accommodation.

Four Vietnamese electricians and mechatronics engineers who came to Germany through the HiH project now work at the headquarters in Heiligenhaus.

Although they had already attended German language courses in Vietnam, the language barrier initially posed a challenge. “The colleagues had very different levels of German when they came to us. Especially specific topics from the HR department were particularly difficult for them to understand,” says Jennifer Geyik. “Sometimes I used an online translation site. Fortunately, we also have a long-standing employee who speaks both German and Vietnamese and can translate if needed.” As IMS has a branch in Vietnam, the employees there were also able to join the job interviews via video conference.

Support during the settling-in phase

The company placed great importance on making the start in Germany as pleasant as possible for the new employees. Upon their arrival, they were initially able to live in the company-owned apartments. “This gave them time to look for accommodation and handle the administrative matters. They received extensive support from colleagues in their departments,” reports Jennifer Geyik. In addition, the company organized German language courses and planned the professional post-qualification that was necessary for the full recognition of Vietnamese professional qualifications in Germany. The mentoring system, in which every new employee is assigned a contact person who supports them in all areas of their new role, also helped Phat and the other international skilled professionals to quickly find their feet in the company.

Since the search for their own apartment initially proved difficult, IMS also took action here. “We placed an ad with photos of our Vietnamese skilled professionals in company uniforms,” explains Karsten Augustat, Head of Production and Quality Assurance at IMS. “A local landlady then got in touch and offered her apartment as a shared apartment.” The team colleagues drove to the furniture store together in a company van to furnish the flat.

A new home in Germany

“In the beginning, it was sometimes difficult for me and I felt lonely,” says Phat about his initial days in Germany. That’s why he was all the more pleased that three other skilled professionals from Vietnam were working at the company.

Once a week, he travels with his colleagues to the neighboring town of Velbert to attend a language school. “It’s important for me to continue improving my German language skills. I’m currently taking a B2 course,” says Phat. The costs are covered by IMS.

“The colleagues are open and communicative, which makes integration very straightforward. The employees take the initiative themselves,” says Karsten Augustat, Head of Production. Phat also gives a positive assessment: “In my opinion, the HiH project is a great opportunity. I have found a good job in Germany and am learning a new language at the same time. I am very happy to be a part of the IMS team.”

Author: Mascha Dinter