"It really paid off"

Why did you leave university to take up a dual training course?
When I left school, I was advised to study communications, but I could see that it wasn’t for me. I’m very creative and like designing and making things. So when I heard about the dual training programme in product design, I knew that was what I wanted
to do.

 VERÓNICA NUÑEZ  

The 24-year-old product designer from Peru completed a German-style course of dual training. It included a placement at Faber-Castell Peru, where she developed a box for felt-tip pens that is now sold across the country.

Has the dual training programme helped you access the labour market?
Definitely. Alongside the theoretical training at the Toulouse Lautrec institute in Lima, I gained practical experience at Faber-Castell as part of a vocational training programme accredited by the German-Peruvian Chamber of Industry and Commerce. Studying at the institute and working in the company at the same time was quite demanding, but it really paid off. Once I finished my training, the company immediately took me on.

What professional success have you achieved so far?
After four years with the company, I am now self-­employed. My portfolio includes product design and jewellery design, and I work for a number of small businesses. Things are a bit difficult at the moment because of the coronavirus crisis, but I have solid training behind me and I know what I want.

published in akzente 2/20