An interview with our instructor Melanie Resch What to know about the Industrial clerk
Hello Melanie, you also apprenticed as an industrial clerk. What two features make our apprenticeship special?
What immediately struck me was its practical relevance and direct personal support, even in comparison to my own apprenticeship.
Practical relevance is a flexible term that is used in almost all job advertisements. What does it mean in this case?
From day one, our apprentices gain insights into what all the other employees here do. We don’t have any typical “apprentice tasks”, such as making coffee. Instead, they dive straight into the subject matter and we incorporate them in all our processes as thoroughly as possible. Our apprentices are quickly given responsibility for activities that belong to the everyday work of the respective apprenticeship stations.
And personal support is given to help them succeed?
Exactly, we aim for strong relationships. In every department that they pass through, our apprentices have a designated personal contact whom they can turn to at any time. Many companies don’t have such clearly defined roles. This is particularly important at the beginning of the apprenticeship because that way, any questions and doubts can be broached and resolved right away.
This one-on-one support ensures that apprentices never feel alone and boosts their motivation. We also hold regular feedback meetings. We want everyone to be able to recognize their strengths, improve on their weaknesses and also to have the chance to give us feedback.
In other words, open communication is important to the company and to you, as an instructor?
Absolutely! This eye-level communication also won me over during the application process when I applied to be an instructor in 2022. From the very beginning, the interpersonal environment was relaxed but professional. To date, everything has been very straightforward and I feel well looked after. This, and especially direct contact with the apprentices, is something I lacked in my previous positions.
And you want to pass this company culture on to your apprentices?
Yes, it is very important to me to be authentic and to convey an authentic image of our company. Both sides should have the opportunity to form a realistic image of each other. After all, it benefits no one when promises are made that cannot be fulfilled.
Our apprentices dive straight into the subject matter and we incorporate them in all our processes as thoroughly as possible.
Does that mean you welcome questions during job interviews? At times, this might be seen as being unprepared or brash.
I see it as a positive thing. It shows me that someone is taking the matter seriously and wants to know exactly what to expect – and shows genuine interest. I always think it’s great when someone asks lots of questions. It makes a good impression!
But presumably, total ignorance of the tasks involved is not so good?
It should be evident that applicants have a specific desire to apprentice as an industrial clerk and know the differences between that and other apprenticeship tracks. They don’t need to know all the details. And of course, we are pleased if during the application and interview process, they can explain why they have chosen the Coroplast Group.
Here you can find four interesting facts about the apprenticeship.
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At the Coroplast Group, you need at least a vocational baccalaureate diploma, as apprenticeships there are only 2.5 years instead of 3 years in length.
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Apprentices spend between two and three months at each station. In some departments, such as the Laboratory, short stints of two to three weeks are also possible.
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About our job portal. The application includes a CV, a current school certificate and a short cover letter.
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An approx. 20-minute introductory interview via online video call
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An online test
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In-person interview at the Coroplast Group
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In the best case, the applicant starts their apprenticeship as an industrial clerk
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The interviews have gone well, the apprentice is hired: what can they expect?
We want to teach our apprentices to become increasingly independent and proactive as their apprenticeship progresses. Being self-driven is advantageous. This includes the will to keep going if something doesn’t succeed on the first try. This happens right at the start, which is completely normal, but shouldn’t become a source of frustration for apprentices.
And what are the stations? Do apprentices have a choice?
There are obligatory stations that are required by the Chamber of Industry and Commerce: Purchasing, Sales, Accounting, Human Resources, Marketing and Production Planning. Depending on the progress of their apprenticeship, apprentices can also gain experience in Controlling, Quality Assurance or the Laboratory.
What are the chances of being hired after completing the apprenticeship?
In principle, we want to hire all motivated apprentices, but there is no guarantee. Apprentices finish their last half year in a department where they can also complete their final project and demonstrate a certain degree of expertise. In the best case, this is also the department where they will be employed. Fortunately, this is often possible. In the past few years, the hiring rate among industrial clerks has been over 90 percent. So if you are interested in apprentice with us – don’t hesitate, just apply!
Info box Here you can find some facts about Melanie
- 26 years old
- living in Remscheid
- apprenticeship as an office management assistant with subsequent further training as an HR specialist
- Hobbies: Carnival dancing, traveling and baking
- Melanie in three words: spontaneous, humorous, organized
Thanks for talking with us, Melanie!
Your contact person Careers – Apprenticeship & dual studies
