Committed to progress
Backnang, Brno, Beijing – our apprentices in action around the world
New projects, cultural exchange, personal development: a stay abroad has many benefits. Five of our trainees had this experience again this year. Oliver and Jan (mechatronics technician apprenticeship) at the stoba site in Brno. Lukas, Kevin (industrial mechanic apprenticeship) and Jamie-Lee (cutting machine operator apprenticeship) on a trip to Beijing with the Chinese-German Training Center (CDAB).
Over a total of ten days in Brno, Oliver and Jan gained insights into the areas of measurement technology, welding and maintenance. In addition, the two spent time talking to managers from the HR and purchasing departments, among others. “We got a lot of professional input and were able to gain a lot of practical experience,” reports Oliver. Jan adds: “In addition to the professional content, I also found it really interesting to observe the differences between our locations, for example in the way we work together. I took away a few ideas for my day-to-day work in Backnang.” After their assignment, both young talents agree: “The experience we gained was very valuable – both professionally and personally.”
The three trainees who were at the vocational school in Beijing also agree. They worked on two practical projects on site together with Asian students. “That was quite a challenge, especially because there were language barriers,” says Lukas. “But we overcame them surprisingly quickly and not only achieved good results, but also made new friends.” According to the three of them, the stay helped them both personally and professionally.
Both groups also had time for excursions and joint activities in addition to and after work. For example, the trainees in China went to the Great Wall of China or to a dragon dance course. The group in Brno went sightseeing in the city and on an excursion to Prague. “This allowed us to get to know the country and the way of life much better,” says Jamie-Lee.
Kevin summarizes: “I believe that we will benefit greatly from these experiences throughout our careers.”
The team of tomorrow
stoba has regularly enabled trainees to spend time abroad since 2013. This supports trainees who perform particularly well or show exceptional commitment. “Our trainees are our employees and, in some cases, our managers of tomorrow,” emphasizes Markus Gebhardt, Head of Training at stoba Backnang. “That’s why we naturally expect them to perform well, but in return we also offer them the space to develop and grow if they want to.” Gerhard Firlbeck, Managing Director at stoba Backnang, agrees: “We always need competent, creative young people who want to make a difference. Our training department is therefore an enormously important part of the company, to which we attribute a corresponding importance.”
Impressions from China
Impressions from the Czech Republic
