I spent three years training as an industrial clerk with KHS Group, studying both at the company and at school. The sandwich course involved attending various blocks of lessons; this means that the school part was spread out over six teaching blocks in three years. These blocks were each about six to eight weeks long. At school we had lessons in subjects such as economics and business, production and human resources and accounting and finance.
The job of industrial clerk is extremely varied as it covers practically everything to do with commerce and business. This was the case for me as I was assigned to almost all of the commercial departments. The insights you have into the different departments, such as Purchasing, Sales, Human Resources, Controlling and Service, allow you to build up your knowledge in different fields very quickly.
As you learn a great deal about the various departments during your training, you can then specialize in different fields. This means that everyone can develop their skills in the area they feel most at home in. At the moment I’m working in Material Requirements Planning. Here, I’m largely responsible for procuring the materials we need for our stretch blow molders. I decided to work in Material Requirements Planning as I like communicating with people and the processes involved in this. In fact, there’s something new to do every day. There are of course processes in our day-to-day work that repeat themselves every day – such as orders – but we also face new challenges each day which are never just a matter of routine. Even if this is just talking to suppliers or coordinating delivery dates, for instance.
What I especially like about my job is that the tasks and challenges I face change every day and that you can learn so much, such as when communicating with people outside the company. In my case this means looking after our Asian suppliers and colleagues, with most of the communication in English.
“At the end of your training there are plenty of opportunities for further personal development and education.”
You also have plenty of opportunities once you’ve finished your training. You can educate yourself further based on what you’ve learned on your course. I’m training to be an industrial business administrator alongside my job, for example, which is similar to a bachelor’s degree. After this you can then study further for a degree in business administration. There are thus lots of ways of continuing your education.
As you spend time in so many departments during your training, you have the chance to do what you find fun. I think that it’s very important for you to enjoy your work if you want to be happy and successful in your job.
I share a horse which means I’m out at the stables at least once a week. This is a fantastic way for me to relax, totally switch off and wind down. I also go to the fitness studio where I can really tire myself out! And last but not least I’m a member of the voluntary fire department where I not only take part in callouts but also help out with the junior fire department as deputy youth manager.
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Fenja Braun
Dual work-study student | Department: Mechanical Design Engineering | Kleve, Germany
Jan-Lukas Göpel Pinatel
trainee mechatronics engineer | Department: Production | Worms
Lara Krohn
Trainee mechatronics engineer | Department: Training Workshop | Dortmund, Germany
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“This exciting branch of industry and the good chance of being hired by KHS had me convinced.”
“What I especially liked about KHS was the fact that it’s such a large company with a top position in its branch of industry.”
“As a dual work-study student you’re integrated into the company processes really quickly.”
“The dual work-study program is all about gaining work experience early on in your career and having quick practical reference to the theory. This was important to me.”
“As a mechatronics engineer you have good future prospects and in time can specialize in a certain field.”
“What I particularly liked about my training course was that you’re free to develop your skills at KHS.”
“Even as a little boy I always tried to repair everything myself – and was usually successful.”
