Wednesday, 29 January 2025
Hamza Ouabel (25) and Abdelbaki Benarab (30) have made it: having successfully passed their theory exams, they are now working as fully qualified healthcare and nursing staff at the SLK Clinics in Heilbronn. The two met at the job fair organised by ProRecognition and the Welcome Centre for the Social Economy in Baden-Württemberg in the summer of 2022. Both received job offers from the SLK Clinics there. What began as joint preparation for the recognition process quickly developed into a genuine friendship. They not only support each other in their day-to-day work, but have also built a strong team outside the clinic. In this interview, they talk about their experiences, challenges and their motivation for working in Germany.
How did you hear about ProRecognition?
Hamza Ouabel: An Algerian friend of mine who works in Oldenburg recommended ProRecognition to us. She told us that there is a ProRecognition advice centre in Algiers which helps with the recognition of foreign qualifications. That was a crucial tip for us.
Abdelbaki Benarab: We contacted the recognition adviser in Algiers directly. He told us about the introductory programme, which allowed us to meet our future employers virtually. This opportunity really helped us to get a good impression of the employer before we came to Germany.
How did the recognition process go for you?
Hamza Ouabel: It was a long process. We waited a year for an appointment at the German Embassy in Algeria. But our recognition adviser and the support worker from the SLK Clinics provided us with active support during that time. We granted our employer power of attorney and submitted the application for recognition. After about four months, we received partial recognition.
Abdelbaki Benarab: The recognition advisor from ProRecognition gave us precise instructions on which documents we needed and how to find interpreters. This helped speed up the process.
What challenges did you face when you first started working in Germany?
Hamza Ouabel: The first week wasn’t easy. Everything was new to us – the daily routine, the structures, the procedures and, above all, the language. In Algeria, we’d worked with a lot of German equipment, but putting that into practice and communicating in a different language here was a real challenge. It was a lot to take in all at once, but also exciting. The support from our colleagues and supervisors helped us settle in more quickly.
Abdelbaki Benarab: We focused intensively on the requirements in the various wards. We were in neurology, the neonatal ward and the trauma surgery department. Each ward was a new learning experience, whilst at the same time we were preparing intensively for the knowledge assessment.
How did your exam go?
Hamza Ouabel: The theory exam was demanding but manageable. Thanks to the intensive preparation and the support of our employer, we managed it. It was a great feeling when I passed the exam. Now I work in urology, which I really enjoy.
Abdelbaki Benarab: It was a relief when the results came through. Passing the exam was the key for me to get started as a nurse in the stroke unit.
Why did you choose Germany?
Hamza Ouabel: Many people from Algeria choose France. But we were determined to come to Germany because we’d heard that the country is very advanced in the care sector. We’d already worked with a lot of German equipment in Algeria and were impressed by the quality.
Abdelbaki Benarab: Germany particularly appealed to us as an innovative country in the care sector. The opportunity to work in such a well-equipped system was very attractive to us.
How are you finding your new surroundings now?
Hamza Ouabel: Now that we’ve settled in, we’re feeling more and more at home. The team here in Heilbronn is brilliant, and the support we’ve received has helped us settle in quickly.
Abdelbaki Benarab: We’re glad we took this step. The initial difficulties are now behind us, and we’re ready to do our best to succeed in the care sector in Germany.