Dual work-study program

You are both currently enrolled in the dual work-study program at the European University of Applied Sciences (Europäischen Fachhochschule/EUFH) – so what’s special about that?
 
This is both a government-accredited vocational training program and a study program in one. The apprenticeship takes 2 years and the study program takes 3 years. After three years, we graduate with two titles: “Wholesale and Foreign Trade Clerk” ("Kauffrau im Groß- und Außenhandel (IHK)") and "Bachelor of Retail Management". Trade management is basically a business administration program with a specialization in trade.

What is an average day like as an apprentice and a student?

The program alternates every three months, i.e., we study at the university for three months, then we work as trainees at Klöckner and/or Klöckner Stahl- und Metallhandel GmbH for three months and in addition we take courses at the vocational school during the theory stage. One nice thing is our class size: 22 at the university and only 13 at the vocational school - that's real luxury. In addition to all that, we spend 5 months abroad and learn two languages.

So what do you think the biggest benefits are for you and for Klöckner?

“For us, the great thing is that in addition to studying, we have the chance to learn about the operations, and that means that Klöckner will also have people who don’t have to be trained from scratch…in short, the Company gets to know us and we get to know the Company.” 

So you will be hired automatically when you complete the program?

Yes, we have a two-year offer of guaranteed employment - which also makes it worthwhile.

Thank you very much for the interview!