Success story: A bold step toward a secure future
Oleksii Shtager experienced war and a new beginning – at SENNEBOGEN, he not only found a secure job, but also a large family. He talks about how the company helped him overcome linguistic and cultural challenges, and why he is determined to stay at SENNEBOGEN.
Your start at SENNEBOGEN was extraordinary all round. Can you tell us exactly how your start with us went?
I came to Germany from the Ukraine. I previously worked there for a SENNEBOGEN dealer in customer service . In this context, I was able to take part in a technical training course at the SENNEBOGEN Academy in 2018. The training for the Green Line machines , from the 818 E to the 840 E series, was a real highlight for me. I was impressed - by the machines as well as the Bavarian beer.
When the war in Ukraine started, everything changed. My home town is in the Donetsk region, right on the front line. After the start of the Russian war of aggression, I initially worked for the Red Cross and tried to help where I could. But at some point, neither the electricity nor the water supply worked. My wife and I knew that we couldn't stay here.
In May 2022, we decided to go to Germany - with just two suitcases, a handbag and our hangover. We traveled through Ukraine for five days. In Poland, we then took a train to Hamburg, where one of my wife's aunts lives. But we couldn't stay there - we only had 600 euros in cash with us.
The aunt's husband called the HR manager - Mr. Stiglbauer - at SENNEBOGEN and told him about our situation. My wife and I then drove straight to Straubing and stood outside the factory gates with the essentials in our luggage. My colleague Tetyana Blenk translated for me during this time because my wife and I hardly spoke any German.
I have now had my employment contract with SENNEBOGEN since July 1, 2022 and work in assembly in Plant 1. I am happy to be here - and very grateful for the support that I and my wife have received from the company ."
Were there any particular challenges? How did you deal with language and cultural differences, for example?
I attended language courses after work, which helped me a lot. But I also learned a lot in my day-to-day work - simply by talking to my colleagues. Of course, the Bavarian language sometimes makes it a bit more complicated - but my colleagues make a lot of effort and try to speak High German with me. I really appreciate that.
The mentality in Germany is also very different from what I know from home - there is a lot of emphasis on order and discipline here. Training and bureaucratic processes play a major role. In Ukraine, many things are often arranged more flexibly and spontaneously. It took me a while to get used to it.
When you think back to your time at SENNEBOGEN, what impressions do you particularly remember?
I am particularly proud of the project with my colleague Johannes Weiß: we built a heavy-duty forklift truck together. Johannes is my best Bavarian colleague. He not only helps me learn German, but also teaches me a bit of Bavarian - we have a lot of fun!
The handover of the SENNEBOGEN walking bike for my daughter was also a very special moment. Olivia was born on 01.01.2025 in Regensburg - the first New Year's baby! For me, this shows that at SENNEBOGEN you are not just an employee - here you are part of a big family.
They also helped us find an apartment straight away. We found accommodation in Café Schmidt in the city center - upstairs in the attic, only 20 square meters, but it was a home for us. I'm still very grateful for that today, because it was much better for us than refugee accommodation.
What goals or wishes do you have for the future?
One thing is very clear to me for the future: I definitely want to stay at SENNEBOGEN to work here and preferably build new machines. That makes the work varied and interesting.
My wife also feels at home here. After her arrival in Straubing, she worked as a waitress in the ASAM hotel and completed language courses on the side. Her big wish is to work in a kindergarten later on - and she would also like to stay in Germany permanently. That is particularly important for our daughter. I want her to be able to speak both Ukrainian and Russian later on, but above all I want her to grow up in safety.
And I have a very personal goal: I want to continue to improve my German. That's important to me - not just for myself, but also for my colleagues. That's why I study for ten minutes every evening with a small book.
What makes SENNEBOGEN special for you?
The fun of work. When I used to work in Ukraine, I often didn't want to get up in the morning - I didn't feel like getting up for the day. But it's completely different here. I like coming to work because I really enjoy it. And what's even more important to me: I also have time for my family.
Oleksii, SENNEBOGEN for you in three words?
Green. Family. Fun.
Thank you for the interesting interview with Oleksii Shtager. The entire SENNEBOGEN team wishes you every success in your new position!