Britta and Simone: Equal opportunities for apprentices

Why is your new knowledge so valuable for our apprentice?

Britta: We want every apprentice to feel welcome, understood, and supported - no matter what challenges they bring with them. Through our additional training, we have taken an in-depth look at health impairments, legal frameworks, and psychological and emotional challenges. This enables us to provide professional support and accompany them on a personal level. We see ourselves as reliable points of contact who can sensitively recognize when someone needs support. Our aim is to provide clear structures, offer guidance, and at the same time create space for personal development and individual independence.

Simone: For some time now, we've noticed a positive shift. There is more mutual understanding and a greater awareness of the emotional needs of others. Our goal is for every apprentice to feel welcome and accepted. Equal opportunities are especially important to us - no one is favored or disadvantaged, and we take every situation seriously.

What is your most important insight?

Simone: When you look at the studies and apply the hypothetical figures to our training environment, it's surprising how many people start an apprenticeship with an impairment - without us even noticing. But we also quickly see that every situation is unique: some want to handle their challenges independently, while others need support. This requires sensitivity to find the right individual approach without overwhelming or patronizing anyone.

Britta: Our most important insight is this: there are no “one-size-fits-all” solutions. Every person brings their own story, strengths, and challenges. We don't see ourselves as all-knowing experts, but as partners at eye level. Our strength lies in open dialogue, in listening, and in finding suitable paths together with the trainees. What we find especially rewarding is seeing people who start their career grow through their challenges, become more confident, and celebrate their personal achievements - no matter how big or small they may seem at first glance.

You see yourselves as a connecting link -  who do you work with to support our apprentices in the best possible way?

Britta: Our role as a connecting interface means bringing many stakeholders together so that our apprentices receive the best possible support. Colleagues at other locations have also completed the additional qualification in rehabilitation pedagogy, and it is now firmly anchored in the company-wide agreement - a clear sign of how important inclusion and equal opportunities are to us as an employer. We work closely with the operational departments, the trainers, the representatives for employees with disabilities, and social counseling services. Together, we try to identify obstacles early and find solutions. Our shared goal is to integrate people with impairments well into the working world and to strengthen our apprentices - so they have the best possible foundation for their professional and personal journey.

Simone: Continuous communication within the company and close coordination with everyone involved is also essential -  from the trainers to the operational departments and specialist teams. No matter where someone finds themselves in a difficult situation, it's important to know: we are here.