Marcel and Ingeus Germany

When Marcel moved to Cologne he was full of hope.  

He had landed a job at a prestigious perfume house and was ready to build a new life. But just months in, an accident changed everything.  

“Unfortunately, within the probationary period I was fired due to an accident,” Marcel recalls.  

After recovering, Marcel found work in youth welfare, where he discovered a passion for helping others.  

“I eventually developed in the career that I would like to become a school companion,” he says. 

But turning that aspiration into a stable, fulfilling job wasn’t easy. 

That’s when Ingeus stepped in. 

Karsten, an employer coordinator at Ingeus, remembers his determination.  

“He had already completed the qualification for school and inclusion support,” Karsten explains.  

“It became clear relatively quickly that we should get in contact with lebe!zeit.”  

Marcel’s reliability and empathy stood out immediately. “That’s why it worked out perfectly.” 

Still, the transition into a secure, long-term role required more than just matching skills to a job.  

“It was also necessary to accompany Marcel a little bit during the transition into a social security-covered job,” Karsten adds. “That was the main focus we had.” 

Supporting others 

With Ingeus by his side, Marcel began working as a school companion where he supports a student with additional needs through the rhythms of daily school life.  

“I accompany him when changing rooms, help him pack and unpack his things, and make school material easier to understand if necessary,” Marcel explains.  

“I am the first point of contact when there are problems.” 

Andrea, Marcel’s team lead, has seen the impact firsthand.  

“He has been able to build a very trusting relationship with the boy,” she says.  

“The student benefits very, very much and can really achieve big developmental steps.” 

A personal and professional transformation

With support from Ingeus, Marcel found more than a job. He found belonging. 

“This atmosphere at Ingeus is such a welcoming one, which I really, really like,” Andrea shares.  

Marcel agrees. “Ingeus brings the necessary professionalism, of course. But from the beginning on, it is also a friendly relationship. I never felt somehow small or anything. I was always noticed, understood, and supported by the employees of Ingeus, wherever possible.” 

For Marcel, this support has been life-changing.  

“This is the best thing that has happened to me in the last 10 years,” he says. “There is no other way of saying it.” 

Today, he is thriving in his role and helping others thrive, too.  

His journey is a reminder of what’s possible when people are given the right support at the right time. And thanks to Ingeus, Marcel’s story is just getting started.