Post by Viega Group

Raquel Kezo’s path to becoming a skilled professional With ambition and confidence, Raquel Kezo looks to the future. Since August 2025, she has been completing her apprenticeship as a machine and plant operator at the Viega plant in Attendorn-Ennest, and she enthuses: “I’ve always wanted to work with machines and robots.” Raquel’s journey to her apprenticeship at Viega highlights the potential of targeted support. Before starting her training, she completed the 26-week full-time course “Vocational Orientation for People with Refugee and Migration Backgrounds” (BOFplus), offered by CJD Olpe. This project, funded by the German Federal Ministry for Education, Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth (Bundesministerium für Bildung, Familie, Senioren, Frauen und Jugend), helps newcomers identify their skills and interests and find the right career path. An important part of the course was an internship, which brought Raquel, who originally comes from Angola, to Viega. There, she immediately stood out to Training Coordinator Sarah Koch and Trainer Hubert Reddig, because of her dedication and eagerness to learn: “From the very beginning, Raquel showed a high level of interest, took initiative, and was always willing to take on additional responsibilities.” Based on these outstanding impressions, Viega offered her an apprenticeship position. Today, Raquel benefits from Viega’s modern training workshop, equipped with CNC machines, 3D printers, and a robotic cell, enabling comprehensive hands-on experience. For Raquel, this apprenticeship is the fulfilment of a long-held ambition. She is already looking ahead: in addition to improving her German language skills and obtaining her driver’s license, she plans to continue her professional development - possibly by training as a cutting machine operator.