Did you always want to become a trainer?
Back when I was a trainee myself, I thought that my training manager was very strict, very conservative and also kind of “strange”. Nowadays, I understand that he was right in many respects, and I am able to say that he definitely had a strong influence on me. My everyday working life has shown that his style of training and his firm stance laid important foundations for my future career development. By working together with young colleagues, I have come to recognize the immense significance of sound vocational training, and I am convinced that a good education must not only impart specialist knowledge but, most importantly, also the right attitude toward one's work. And I wanted to take part in this process, to exert an influence and make a contribution to it. Today, I consider it to be my calling to foster, encourage, and support the young colleagues during their training.

What characterizes the work with the trainees?
I enjoy working with the trainees because they breathe new life into the daily work routine and open up new perspectives. It’s fantastic to see how they run through their development from fresh young trainees to valued specialists and colleagues. Every day offers the chance to pass on know-how and at the same time to oneself learn from the young colleagues’ ideas, values and problems. This dynamic interplay not only promotes the trainees’ growth but also enriches my life as a trainer.

Which experience has had a significant influence on you during your time as a trainer?
As a supposedly grown-up person, one often treats much younger people with a lack of respect: By interacting with them in a sensible manner, one profits enormously from the cooperation with trainees!

What came as a surprise for you?
The scope of the support provided at SCHLEIFRING. In some companies, training is still considered to be a necessary evil and treated accordingly. At SCHLEIFRING everyone – from the colleagues who operate the machines to the engineers to the managing directors – is committed to the training program and supports the development of our colleagues who are undergoing their training in every way possible.