My name is Alex, I’m 24 years old and a carpenter from Germany. I’ve always liked working with my hands, building things that are useful and solid. Over the last years, I started developing my own project — small camper kits made from wood, simple but clever systems that can turn a normal car into a MicroCamper. I joined the Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs program because I wanted to learn from people who think and work differently, and to see how others manage their workshops and projects.
Now I’m in Elche, Spain, working with Domingo, an industrial mechanic who builds custom vehicles. From the first day, I was impressed by how he runs his workshop. It’s not big, but everything has its place. He works very efficiently, always finding smart solutions with limited tools and materials. That’s something I really admire.
The first two weeks have been exciting and full of new impressions. Everything is new — the language, the weather, the people, the work. The atmosphere in Spain feels very open and warm. People are kind and always willing to help, and the sun makes it easy to start each day with motivation.
In the workshop, I’m learning a lot of new skills. I’ve started to work on cars, to weld, and to understand more about planning mechanical projects. It’s completely different from carpentry, but at the same time, I can see many connections. Both jobs are about precision, creativity, and finding good solutions with your hands and your head. Seeing how Domingo organizes his work gives me a lot of ideas for my own business — how to be more efficient, how to plan better, and how to make more out of what you already have.
What I like most is the exchange itself. I can share my woodworking knowledge, and he shows me how things work in metal. We talk a lot about projects, ideas, and how to combine both worlds. Sometimes we just try things out, and even if they don’t work perfectly, it’s part of the process.
Outside the workshop, I’m enjoying Spain — the food, the relaxed lifestyle, the friendly people. It’s a big change from home, but a good one. I already feel more confident and independent.
These first weeks showed me how important it is to stay curious and keep learning. This experience is not just about business — it’s about growing as a person, getting inspired, and finding new ways to see and do things.