In Germany, the date September 1^st, 1971 is known above all because of an important decision: At this date the so-called „Bundesausbildungsförderungsgesetz“ (Federal Education and Trainings Assistance Act), often shortened as BAFöG, entered into force. This law stipulates until today the federal financial assistance for pupils and students.

For Josef Waidmann, this date is important due to a completely different point: On this Wednesday, at the tender age of 14, he started his Electrician apprenticeship in Eningen unter Achalm – back then at the company Pfleiderer + Co, which has been specialized in installations for electric supply, switchboard construction and industry electronics. His subsequent, long-standing employer Berghof later took over that company in 1976.

"This has been no challenge for me. I grew up on a farm, therefore I have been used to working on a daily basis", Josef Waidmann recalls. Since that day, this building in Eningen has been his professional "home" – for almost half a century.

On June 26th, he has had his last regular working day as an electronics technician in the testing facility of our business unit Automation and Control Solutions, and was sent off to retirement with a small ceremony.

But to be honest, "retirement" is not completely accurate. After a short holiday Josef Waidmann has returned again to Eningen in a smaller, but regular capacity – as a mini-jobber at Automation and Control Solutions. Nearly 50 years of experience is something Berghof lastly don’t want to do without.