A two-track start to your career

Combination of training and studies

"One highlight certainly was the project work, where I was able to work relatively independent," says Amelie Fabritz

Amelie Fabritz has a simple tip for the first day of an apprenticeship: "You can't really prepare for it, so just be open and let it come to you." For the young woman, who is training as an industrial clerk at HOCHTIEF along with a dual degree in Business Administrations, quite some time has passed since that day in August 2020. A time that has been significantly more exciting, but also more challenging, than she had initially imagined. "I've been through many different departments, one highlight of which is definitely the project work, where I'm on the road independently," says the Essen native. In addition to her training at the company and attending vocational school, she is also studying at FOM University. This requires her to work twice a week in the evenings and every other Saturday. Fabritz: "It's a feat of strength, but I'm up to it." A sentence that sounds quite natural to the enthusiastic athlete.

Gut feeling and personal chemistry account for 50 percent

"When hiring someone, in addition to qualifications, chemistry accounts for at least 50 percent," says Susanne Wattenberg

Susanne Wattenberg, the human resources manager responsible at HOCHTIEF PPP Solutions, is also enthusiastic. "Amelie Fabritz has everything we expect from a trainee. Personality, performance, appearance - everything is right." When Wattenberg hires someone, in addition to qualifications, "a lot of gut feeling plays a role. Chemistry accounts for at least 50 percent." If it is the right match for the applicant and HOCHTIEF, HOCHTIEF offers all trainees a very comprehensive training program. Fabritz also takes advantage of the opportunity to "get a taste" of many other areas in addition to the mandatory departments specified by the Chamber of Industry and Commerce, such as Purchasing and Human Resources.

Fresh impulses are the salt in the soup

Susanne Wattenberg: "The word 'training' implies that you are learning something. But it's just as important to us that the young people take on an active role very quickly and really become part of the big HOCHTIEF team." This also works so well because the duration of training in this special format was extended some time ago from two to two and a half years. At first glance, this may give the impression that the training period is longer. Yes, but this has created small but fine spaces of freedom that can be filled individually. "Together with the trainee, we consider what interests him or her and where there are opportunities in the company to realize the wishes," explains the HR manager.

Working together on a longer relationship: Susanne Wattenberg, Amelie Fabritz

Three-and-a-half-year contract creates a perspective

In the combination of training and studies, the contract does not run for the duration of the apprenticeship (two and a half years), but for the entire duration of the studies (42 months). This means that the apprenticeship is automatically followed by one year of further employment - with good chances that this will lead to an even longer "relationship" between the ex-trainee and HOCHTIEF.

July 2022