Jonas had just finished school and wanted to find a job. He was interested in carpentry and working with wood. His father told him about an apprenticeship at a local workshop. Jonas decided to apply for the position. He wrote a letter explaining why he wanted to become a carpenter. A week later, he received a phone call. The workshop owner, Mr. Berg, invited him for an interview. Jonas was very nervous on the day of the interview. He put on his best clothes and arrived early. Mr. Berg showed him around the workshop. There were beautiful wooden chairs and tables everywhere. Jonas was impressed by the quality of the work. 'Why do you want to learn this trade?' Mr. Berg asked. 'I have always loved making things with my hands,' Jonas replied. 'Wood is a beautiful material that can become anything.' Mr. Berg smiled at this answer. He offered Jonas the apprenticeship position. Jonas started his first day the following Monday. He arrived at the workshop at seven in the morning. Mr. Berg introduced him to the other workers. There was Anna, who had been working there for ten years. There was also Thomas, another apprentice who started last year. 'Safety is very important here,' Mr. Berg explained. 'Always wear your safety glasses and gloves.' Jonas learned about the different tools in the workshop. He practiced using a hammer and a saw. At first, he made many mistakes. He cut a piece of wood too short. He hammered a nail in the wrong place. 'Do not worry,' Anna told him. 'Everyone makes mistakes when they start.' Jonas worked hard every day. He came home tired but happy. After two months, he could measure and cut wood correctly. Mr. Berg gave him his first real project. 'You will make a small wooden box,' he said. Jonas was excited about this challenge. He chose a beautiful piece of oak wood. He measured everything twice before cutting. Thomas helped him with some difficult parts. 'You need to sand the edges smooth,' Thomas explained. Jonas worked on the box for three days. He was very careful with every detail. When the box was finished, he showed it to Mr. Berg. Mr. Berg examined it closely. 'The corners are well joined,' he said. 'The surface is smooth and clean.' 'This is excellent work, Jonas.' Jonas felt proud of his achievement. He decided to give the box to his mother as a gift. The months passed quickly. Jonas learned something new every week. He could now use more complicated machines. He made chairs, tables, and shelves. One day, a customer came to the workshop. She wanted a special cabinet for her living room. Mr. Berg asked Jonas to help with this order. Jonas was nervous but also excited. He worked together with Anna on the cabinet. They chose walnut wood for its beautiful dark color. The cabinet took two weeks to complete. When the customer saw it, she was very happy. 'This is exactly what I wanted,' she said. Jonas smiled at the compliment. After one year, Jonas had learned many skills. He could design his own furniture pieces. He understood different types of wood and their qualities. Mr. Berg called Jonas into his office one afternoon. 'I am very proud of your progress,' Mr. Berg said. 'You have become a skilled craftsman.' Jonas thanked him for the opportunity. 'I have learned so much here,' Jonas said. 'This workshop has become my second home.' Mr. Berg offered him a permanent job after the apprenticeship. Jonas accepted with a big smile. He knew he had found his calling in life. That evening, Jonas told his parents the good news. His father was very proud of him. 'I always knew you could do it,' his father said. Jonas looked at his hands, which were now strong from all the work. He thought about everything he had learned. From a nervous young man, he had become a confident carpenter. He was grateful for the chance to learn this beautiful craft. Jonas knew his future was bright.
English Story (A2)The Apprenticeship
This A2 English story is designed for elementary learners. Click any word for instant translation and build your vocabulary as you read.
aboutStory
Jonas finishes school and starts an apprenticeship at a carpentry workshop run by Mr. Berg. He learns to use tools, makes mistakes, and gradually improves his skills. After creating a wooden box as his first project, he takes on bigger challenges including a cabinet for a customer. After one year, Jonas becomes a skilled craftsman and is offered a permanent job at the workshop.
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Comprehension Questions
4 questions
1
What was Jonas interested in learning?
2
What was the first real project Mr. Berg gave to Jonas?
3
What did Jonas do with the wooden box he made?
4
What happened at the end of Jonas's apprenticeship?
Vocabulary
30 words from this story
