Wednesday, 22 October 2025
As a young boy, Kevin Ruiz would often stand on the streets of Barranquilla, gazing in fascination at the huge cranes reaching up into the sky. Even back then, he knew: “One day, I don’t just want to look at these machines – I want to repair them.” Today he lives in Germany – and that very childhood dream has become a reality for him.
Work as an electromechanical engineer in Barranquilla
Kevin completed his bachelor’s degree in electromechanical engineering at the Institución Universitaria de Barranquilla. After graduating, he gained his first professional experience in Colombia, including at Italcol and Decoblock, where he was responsible for troubleshooting and repairing hydraulic and electrical systems. Whilst he was still working in Colombia, a recruitment agency took notice of him. They were looking for skilled professionals for the German crane manufacturer Liebherr. Suddenly, there was this great opportunity – but also fierce competition: 45 applicants, a rigorous selection process, interviews, and a difficult theory test under time pressure. Only 10 made it onto the shortlist, and ultimately three people were selected. Kevin was the first.
The move abroad
His working adventure began in 2014: three months in Chile, then two years at Liebherr in Ehingen (Danube). There, Kevin worked as a fitter. At the same time, he learnt German – fully funded by the company. Those two years changed everything. Kevin realised: “I want to stay here. Life in Germany suits me.”
Back to Colombia – but never losing sight of Germany
In 2016, he returned to Colombia and took on the role of Technical Support Manager at Liebherr for the whole of Latin America: Colombia, Ecuador, Panama, Mexico, Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados and the Dominican Republic. Twice a year, he travelled back to Ehingen (Danube) for training courses. The desire to move to Germany permanently grew ever stronger. In 2024, Kevin discovered an internal job vacancy at Liebherr-Werk Ehingen GmbH – as a Technical Trainer with proficiency in German, English and Spanish. He applied – and was accepted immediately. But something was missing: recognition of his qualifications.
Recognition with support from ProRecognition
Kevin contacted the German Embassy in Bogotá – and there he came across information about the ProRecognition project, which supports international professionals on their path to professional recognition in Germany. He got in touch immediately and asked for urgent help, as his employer in Germany was already waiting for him. From the very start, a recognition advisor closely guided him through the entire process: week by week, step by step, she checked all the documents and helped him to obtain any missing paperwork. In May 2024, Kevin submitted his application for equivalence of his qualification to the IHK FOSA. Two months later, the office also requested the full details of his study programme – Kevin submitted over 200 pages. And finally – in November 2024 – the welcome news arrived: full recognition. “My documents were well prepared – thanks to the support from ProRecognition.”
Waiting for the visa – but carrying on regardless
The visa took a long time to arrive – but Kevin remained patient and determined. Giving up was out of the question for him. On 17 February 2025, the moment finally arrived: with his visa in hand, he travelled to Germany with his wife and six-year-old son.
A new home for the family
His wife – an accountant – also received support from ProRecognition. For her, the process was simpler: an Anabin document was sufficient On Kevin’s recommendation, she had already completed an A1 German course at the German School in Barranquilla whilst still in Colombia – good preparation for their new start in Germany. Their son also came to Germany with them. He is currently attending nursery and will start Year 1 in autumn 2025. The employer, Liebherr-Werk Ehingen GmbH, supported the family from the very beginning. They covered the costs of the recognition process, helped with insurance, opening a bank account and all the administrative procedures. The language courses for his wife were also fully funded. Today, Kevin works as a technical trainer in Ehingen (Danube). His wife is continuing to learn German – she too will soon be joining Liebherr.
I’m happy that my family is here with me. It makes settling in Germany much easier. I’m very grateful that my employer supports not only me, but my family too – that helps enormously.
Kevin has a clear goal in mind: to live in Germany long-term – and to build his own house here for his family.
Kevin José Ruiz Vargas mit seiner Frau und seinem Sohn beim Ausflug ins Legoland – ein gemeinsamer Familientag im neuen Zuhause Deutschland.
