Welcome: Apprenticeships begin for 16 young people at HZB

On 1 September, 16 young people began their apprenticeship, dual study programme or voluntary year at HZB. A welcome event, initial insights into the world of research and a communication seminar marked the start of this new phase in their lives.

As an experienced apprenticeship company, we are delighted to be able to accompany young people on their way into working life again this year. On 1 September – the official start of apprenticeship – we welcomed ten apprentices, four dual students in computer science and two participants in a voluntary year at a small welcome event.

‘You have chosen a job that is not only exciting for yourselves, but also important for our society,’ emphasised Silvia Zerbe from the communications department, providing insights into research at HZB. ‘Good science needs many minds in the background. It only succeeds when everything works together – for example, when the IT runs reliably, the workshop works precisely, the purchasing department procures equipment, and the human resources department takes care of our salaries. Starting today, you are part of this large team.’

Training coordinator Christina Herold encouraged the new colleagues to be open to new ideas and to ask questions: ‘Our experienced apprenticeship coordinators are happy to assist you. And the youth and apprenticeship representatives are also there for you at any time.’

Immediately after the welcome, the first joint programme began: a one-and-a-half-day communication seminar conducted by Christina Herold. Because sometimes the most difficult thing is also the most important – talking to each other respectfully, especially when things aren't going smoothly.

What professions are our new colleagues learning?

• 2 office management trainees
• 1 chef
• 2 precision engineers
• 3 IT specialists/system integration
• 2 IT specialists/user development
• 4 dual students in computer science
• 1 participant in the Voluntary Ecological Year
• 1 participant in the Voluntary Natural Science Year

We wish you a good start and lots of fun at HZB. We are glad you are here!