Bogumiła Frąckowiak, Head of the Economic Development Department at the Poznan Chamber of Skilled Crafts (Wielkopolska Izba Rzemieślnicza w Poznaniu) and project manager for “Craftspeople without Borders”, interviewed Stefan Porumb and Igor Argint, teachers from Vocational School No. 2 in Cahul, Republic of Moldova, at the end of their 4-week roofing internship in Poland.
For Andrzej Trafas, owner of the roofing company Firma Budowlana „A.TRAFAS”, giving the two Moldovan vocational teachers a 4-week training was his first mission as part of the “Craftspeople without Borders” project.
All interviews in Polish: Projekt – Rzemieślnicy bez granic
CwB: Is this your first time in Poland? What were your first impressions upon arrival?
Stefan Porumb: Yes, this is my first time in Poland, and I felt great from the very first moment. We were welcomed with great kindness. I immediately liked the city Poznań and the other towns we had the opportunity to visit. The cleanliness, peace, and mutual respect were striking. Polish hospitality is top-notch!
Igor Argint: I agree – this is also my first time in Poland, and my overall impression is very positive. The people are friendly, the surroundings are beautiful, and the atmosphere is truly welcoming. Poland captivated me with its culture, history, peace, and order.
CwB: What prompted you to participate in the internship?
IA: I wanted to experience the daily lives of Poles, see what vocational education is like, how teams work, and how companies operate. Poland is a truly inspiring country.
SP: Same for me – I wanted to learn about new technologies in construction, work methods, and production organisation. And I wasn’t disappointed.
CwB: What were your first days like?
SP: After settling in, we familiarised ourselves with the internship schedule, working conditions, safety regulations, and met the team we would be working with. And then – it was all action!
IA: We immediately got into the rhythm of work – first, there was a short orientation, then intensive learning and work. And lots of sightseeing on the weekends!
CwB: What did you do during your internship?
SP: We worked on construction projects – learning to read technical drawings, selecting materials and tools. We built roofs, installed rafters, insulation, and solar panels. It was a very practical experience.
IA: Yes – I also worked on the roof of a residential building and installed solar panels. We learned about modern, eco-friendly materials and modern equipment used in roofing.
CwB: What surprised you about the work method?
SP: Quality, not quantity, counts. At the company where we completed our internship, mistakes were discussed calmly, thoroughly, and without unnecessary emotion. Everything had to be done according to the drawing.
IA: I noticed the cohesiveness of the work: the manager, the team, and the support staff. Everyone knows what to do and all work well together. That’s impressive.
CwB: And how would you rate the atmosphere in the company?
SP: Out of 10 – I give it a 10. The language barrier wasn’t a problem; we communicated in Polish, Russian, and sometimes simply with gestures. Everyone was helpful and cooperative.
IA: It’s the same for me – I’d even give it a 10+. Everyone works towards a common goal, the atmosphere is friendly, and the organisation is very good.
CwB: Did you notice any differences in work organisation?
SP: Yes: in Moldova, we lack a bit of punctuality and discipline. But that’s exactly why we’re here – to learn.
IA: The differences are minor. In Poland, more eco-friendly materials are used. The rest is very similar, but the work is better organised.
CwB: Will the experience you’ve gained be useful to you?
IA: Definitely. It will be 100% useful. I wish this internship lasted longer.
SP: Definitely useful! When I return to Moldova, I will share the knowledge I’ve gained with younger generations, but also put it into practice.
CwB: Did you have time for sightseeing?
SP: Yes, our mentor – Andrzej Trafas – organised trips for us – we went to Poznań, but we also had the opportunity to see the Baltic Sea, museums, and an open-air museum. We saw historical sites and beautiful landscapes.
IA: We visited Poznań and Kołobrzeg, among other places. We learned about the history of the Wielkopolska Uprising, visited museums, the pier, and the port in Kołobrzeg. It was a real lesson of history.
CwB: And how did you like the Polish cuisine?
IA: Very much! We tried something new every day – soups with meat and mushrooms, potatoes with toppings, cod with fries, pasta. Andrzej, our guide and owner of the company, took care of everything.
SP: I was also impressed by the Polish cuisine; I tried various dishes and local meats. The food here is delicious and diverse.
CwB: What surprised you most about Poland?
SP: Mutual respect and calmness – people are calm, and trust is evident at every turn.
IA: I would also add respect for history and nature – beautiful churches, forests, the care for historical monuments, the development of green energy and ecological solutions.
CwB: Finally, please give me a short review of your stay. How would you rate your stay?
SP: Excellent. Simply: thank you.
IA: Great! It was an unforgettable experience. I learned a lot about Poland.
CwB: What would you say to others considering similar internships?
SP: Without hesitation, I’d say it’s worth it! If you have the opportunity to gain such knowledge and experience, go for it!
IA: Definitely. Don’t miss such opportunity.
For Stefan and Igor, the internship in Poland was not only an opportunity for professional development, but also a unique cultural and personal experience. Thanks to the openness, good organisation, and hospitality of the Polish partners, the participants left enriched with knowledge, inspiration, and new perspectives.
Stefan and Igor extended their heartfelt thanks to Andrzej Trafas, who was not only a wonderful mentor but, above all, a great professional, eager to share his knowledge and experience.