Alexandra started her training as an industrial clerk at Laufenberg at the beginning of September 2023. Here she summarizes her first impressions and experiences.
Application
Why did I apply to Laufenberg GmbH?
As I don’t live far away, Laufenberg is easy to reach. I first became aware of Laufenberg through the appealing website. Later, while walking in the entrance area, I saw an advertisement that they were looking for new trainees and applied.
How did I prepare myself?
I have written my CV and a cover letter. After I applied, I was accepted for an interview.
Job interview
How was the conversation?
I received a very friendly welcome at the head office and was taken to the visitors’ room. After a few minutes of introducing the company and myself, I was given a tour of the administration building and got my first insight into the company. Everyone I met that day was very friendly, so you felt comfortable and didn’t feel unwelcome.
How did I receive the confirmation?
I was called one or two weeks after the interview and was accepted. I then received my training contract and was able to sign it.
Reasons
Why did I decide to train as an industrial clerk?
I decided to train as an industrial clerk because the training offers individual schedules that always bring variety.
Why did I choose Laufenberg?
Laufenberg is easy for me to reach. Many employees have been working at Laufenberg for a long time, which speaks for a good working atmosphere and good cooperation. This was confirmed in the first few weeks.
Alexandra and her two fellow apprentices from the 1st year of apprenticeship 2023/24.
The first weeks as an apprentice at Laufenberg
What was my expectation?
My expectation was to get an insight into production, but also how all areas of the company work, so that you know what you will later produce and sell. I also hoped that I would get to know the other trainees so that I could exchange ideas with them.
How was your first day at work?
I got to know the other two trainees on my first day at work. We have all been given a trainee folder in which all the important information is filed, including working hours and when we go through which part of the company. We were also given a safety briefing that day so that we knew how to behave on the site and what we had to be aware of. We then took a tour of the administration building so that we knew where everything was.
How was I received?
As at the interview, I received a very friendly welcome. All the questions we trainees had were answered. We felt very comfortable and were well received.
What was the program in the first few weeks?
In the first week, we got to know the production and the equipment so that we know how the machine processes work, what raw materials we will have to buy later and what the end product looks like. We went to different areas in the second week due to the individual flow charts. I started at the head office first. In the first few weeks, we got to know the trainees from the second year of training, with whom we then also spent our breakfast and lunch breaks. We either went shopping together or went for a walk in Hüls. The second/third-year apprentices help and support me when I have questions and give me tips on how vocational school works.
Thank you for this report Alexandra!
