Apprentice Projects Become Company Solutions

Published on: Jun 23, 2023 in Careers & Training

You have so far participated in the Digiscouts project in the Stuttgart region four times in a row. Which project ideas have been implemented as part of the project so far?
 

We took part in the Digiscouts project for the first time in 2018. Back then, our apprentices introduced a digital loading list at our company. After that came the digital edge-banding storage, last year the intranet and digital notice board, and in this year’s Stuttgart-region round our apprentices took on digital tool management.

Were these ideas integrated sustainably into the company?
 

All our projects are fully integrated and used actively every day. A major milestone back then was the introduction of the digital loading list. For every parts list created, a list for picking is now generated automatically. Everything is digitally connected, which gives us a comprehensive overview. Both the staff in order processing and in production use this loading list daily. The whole system was of course not ready for use immediately after the six-month Digiscouts project, but we have continuously developed it further.

It is similar with the digital edge-banding storage. Even if it is not used by everyone, it is essential particularly for us in the technical office to keep an overview of stock before new edge bands are ordered. Through our industry-specific software, I can quickly filter by colour codes, see which edges are in stock, which storage location they are assigned to, and how many metres are still available.

Our intranet introduced last year is also being used more and more. There are still occasional printouts on the notice board, but topics such as employee information and general announcements are now communicated almost exclusively via the intranet. This also includes surveys for process optimisation or invitations to the company barbecue.

Are there other projects that have been implemented with the apprentices following the Digiscouts projects?
 

We have set up a “Digi Task Force” in the company that takes care of necessary digitalisation projects in-house. The members of the Digi Task Force are essentially all the apprentices and journeymen of the company. We always look at small to medium-sized topics or processes, work them out, and then explain them to all employees in meetings.

A major advantage of this approach is that you have employees who stay on the ball, who keep digging into things and develop into experts on a topic – just like in the Digiscouts project.

Is that also why you take part in the Digiscouts project? 
 

Digiscouts gives our apprentices the opportunity to “make a project their own”. They can acquire new skills, such as time management, setting milestones, leading a project and working independently. They simply learn to assess themselves better – and at the same time we see what is in our apprentices.

Other positive side effects are, of course, that the apprentices come into conversation with colleagues from all departments, get to know the company properly and understand how it “ticks”. In addition, the framework set by the Digiscouts project and the contact with an external coach generate a healthy amount of pressure to succeed, which has a positive effect on the apprentices and on the project. Many experiences the apprentices have are similar to our own project business, which is enormously beneficial. The apprentices themselves say that taking part in the project was not a burden but an enrichment that helped them grow personally and professionally.

It also makes the apprenticeship more attractive and is brought up in conversations with applicants. Future apprentices then get a feel for the fact that during the apprenticeship you don’t just work through pre-defined assignments, but are trusted, can pursue your own projects and thus help shape the future of the company. That goes down well.

Speaking of the attractiveness of your apprenticeship: do you receive enough applications, and if so, what do you do for it?
 

I think we are in a quite comfortable position and receive a good number of applications. But we are also present at various events, for example at the company info days at our partner schools. We are regularly represented there, especially regarding the carpentry trade.

We also keep getting applications via the Federal Employment Agency, as well as via our website and social media channels such as Instagram. In the commercial and technical office and in the carpentry workshop, we have on average about two to four apprentices starting an apprenticeship every year. This year, 5 apprentices have started with us in 3 occupational fields.

How does your application process work?
 

After an initial interview, we often invite candidates for a two- to three-day work-shadowing, so that we can better assess their skills and see whether they fit into the team – which is also an important factor.

Are there success stories from apprentices who have particularly benefited from the Digiscouts project?
 

In principle, we train our apprentices with the aim of taking them on into a regular employment relationship after their training. That is why apprentices who have been involved in our previous Digiscouts projects are still working at the company. Over time it usually becomes clear in which departments or topic areas a particular employee is especially knowledgeable, and they then work increasingly in that area. For example, a former apprentice and Digiscout now has the responsibility of project leader for the largest digitalisation project in the company’s history and takes on leadership responsibility in the team. The foundation for this development was also laid by his participation in the Digiscouts project some years ago: he was able to demonstrate and develop his strengths in that project, and we recognised those strengths and supported them accordingly.

The Digiscouts project has almost become part of your regular apprenticeship routine. From your perspective, what role does the project play for you as trainers?
 

That is a very good question. I think the project actually takes on some aspects of the training plan, such as independence and the ability to work into new topics. In this case it is not handled directly by us but by you. As a result, several tasks are taken off our plate as a company.

I therefore see the project as a valuable support, through which our apprentices can acquire some skills independently of us. Particularly interesting, of course, is the opportunity to come into contact with other companies at Digiscouts events and see how training works there – independent of the vocational school. I still think this concept is great.

Many thanks for the interview and for the insights into your apprenticeship.