Only after some detours, Max Mayer (right) and René Rauch decided in favor of a training as industrial electricians at Berghof Testing. In the meantime, they both have successfully completed their training – and looking back on this time they feel great satisfaction and gratitude. In this interview, Max and René tell us about the aspects that, from their point of view, make the training as industrial electricians at Berghof Testing so interesting, why many other trainees at vocational school envied them for their training at Berghof, and how the skills they have acquired are also useful for their exciting free time projects.
1) In theory, things are quite clear: After graduating from school, you sign up for a training. But in practice, things are often different. What was it like with you?
Max Mayer:
Having completed an internship while still attending school I knew early on that I wanted to become an electrician. I initially decided to train as a conventional electrician, however. Knowing what I know now, I have to say: unfortunately. In the first few months, I realized that the often monotonous work on the construction site didn't quite appeal to me. In the first year of training, you can switch if there is a vacancy in another company. So I looked around for a training position in the industrial sector that hadn't been filled yet – and discovered what I was looking for at Berghof. Today I know: that was a very lucky coincidence that granted me an incredibly instructive and valuable training period.
René Rauch:
In principle, there was a number of paths open to me after graduating from high school: Apprenticeship? (Dual) Studies? Voluntary Social Year (FSJ)? For the time being, I decided to do an FSJ. During this time, I pondered a lot on my professional future – and then specifically decided on a technical training. My enthusiasm for tinkering with electrics runs in my family: My father Theo Rauch let me lend a hand in his private workshop at an early age and taught me quite a few things. He also told me a lot about the Berghof Group in general and Berghof Testing in particular, so it was clear to me that you wouldn't find a comparably exciting environment in the region twice. Of course, at first I did have doubts about working in the same company as my father. But those quickly dissipated in the course of the training.
2) In your opinion, what are the most important benefits of the training at Berghof Testing? What made the training period so instructive and valuable for both of you?
Max Mayer:
Right from the start, there was a total contrast to my first apprenticeship: At Berghof Testing, I immediately felt part of the team and taken seriously. I was quickly entrusted with tasks that involved some responsibility. That was a very positive surprise for me. As to the work itself, what I particularly liked right from the beginning was the fact that dealing with our customer projects you are often involved in very complex and innovative plants that pose challenges to you again and again. From time to time, your help as an electrician is also needed at one of the other business units of the Berghof Group on the Berghof Campus in Eningen. In this way, you are offered insights into other areas of the Berghof Group. So it really never gets boring.
René Rauch:
My positive expectations were also fully met by the training. As Max already mentioned: You will definitely not be bored during this training – one reason for that is the fact that as an electrician, you often have a lot to do with mechanics in addition to the electrical part and so you learn something about milling, grinding and punching components, for example. I’ve never had any regrets preferring this apprenticeship over studying. What I really appreciate in retrospect: As part of the training, you also learn a lot about home electrics – and so you can do a lot of DIY works in your apartment or house.
3) What role did your instructors play in making the training pay off for you?
Max Mayer:
For me, they definitely played a very big role. The team of trainers here is really very patient and responds individually to each apprentice. It was also important for me that I had a second apprentice, René, at my side for professional and personal exchange. This is a common practice at Berghof Testing, and as to the current apprentices, there are also two of them.
René Rauch:
I can only confirm that. For me, too, the patient team of trainers, who were always available to us, and the exchange with Max were really worth their weight in gold. What I would like to add: The training team also has a good feel for the right mix of theoretical knowledge and practical tips for everyday work. This makes learning fun. That's why my training journey isn't over yet: I want to learn even more – and definitely continue my training to become a technical specialist in the foreseeable future.
