From Intern to Area Manager

Goytome came to Denmark from Eritrea six years ago. Via Vejle Municipality’s integration department, he started a work placement at Danske Fragtmænd. He quickly demonstrated his talent for working at the terminal. After two work placement periods, Goytome’s manager, Jesper Stenkjær, felt it was time to offer Goytome a permanent position, even though Vejle Municipality had suggested an additional work placement period.

“I couldn’t see any reason why Goytome had to have further training. We had already taught him everything we could. During his work placement, Goytome showed how skilled he is at all the tasks he has had. He really manages to see solutions before anyone else. Therefore, it was natural to offer him a permanent position. We are delighted with him,” says Jesper

In order for Goytome to develop further, it was crucial that he improved his language skills. However, the combination of Danish lessons in his spare time and working at the terminal was a heavy workload for Goytome. That is why Danske Fragtmænd offered him Danish lessons during working hours.

“As mentioned, Goytome has talent and a keen eye for the task at hand. Therefore, we wanted to give him more responsibility and expand his area of work. In the beginning, he needed to improve his Danish. He took language classes during his work placement, but when he became a permanent employee, he didn’t have time to continue. That is why we made an arrangement so that Goytome can receive Danish lessons while working here at the terminal,” explains Jesper.

For Goytome, trust from Danske Fragtmænd has been crucial. As he has become more comfortable with Danish, he has been assigned more tasks, which has boosted his confidence. Goytome’s hard work has paid off. When one of the area managers left, Jesper decided that Goytome should take over the position. Goytome wants to continue to develop and contribute even more.

“I really enjoy working here at the terminal. I feel like I’m growing with the tasks. For example, I’ve started taking phone calls and I’m getting more confident with every conversation. Things are going well. I want to improve my Danish so I can solve even more tasks. I’m very happy,” says Goytome.

At the terminal, he enjoys a close community with his colleagues. They have fun together, sometimes maybe a little too much. The good team spirit at Danske Fragtmænd means a lot to Goytome. “There are about ten of us who talk well. We have fun together, but when we work, we are also very professional. We all speak the same language. So, sometimes Jesper reminds us to speak Danish,” laughs Goytome.

Goytome looks forward to continuing his development at Danske Fragtmænd. He is happy with the support he has received from his colleagues and management. Goytome’s journey from intern to area manager shows how trust, hard work and support from the workplace are important for employee development.