Why it is worthwhile for companies to invest in training and work with JOBLINGE: We talked to Dr. Nadin Riedl, Head of Vocational Training at Leipziger Verkehrsbetriebe, about this.
She also told us what she looks for in job applications and why school grades don’t matter.
The interview was conducted on the occasion of the tenth anniversary of JOBLINGE gAG Leipzig.
Why does Leipziger Verkehrsbetriebe work together with JOBLINGE?
Nadin Riedl: JOBLINGE is a great program that helps people who no longer have a chance elsewhere on their way to a good working life.
With our partnership, we try to recognize people’s potential and prepare them for the right job.
Leipziger Verkehrsbetriebe is a large company with a wide variety of training occupations.
Our aim is to find the specific area in which each and every individual can develop to the best of their ability.
Why do you think it is important to invest in training?
We live in very fast-moving times, which makes work more complex.
This makes it all the more important to provide people with key specialist knowledge at an early stage to enable them to carry out their work.
I think that no company can avoid investing in training because vocational training per se does not cover company-specific content.
There is also the fundamental issue of securing the next generation of employees in the face of demographic change.
What resources do trainees bring with them and what added value does a company gain from them?
They bring new perspectives and new knowledge with them, allowing processes to be improved and current trends to be brought into the company.
Together with experienced employees, this creates great added value for the company.
An open exchange of knowledge between the generations is very important so that everyone can benefit in the best possible way.
Progress is only possible with mutual understanding and appreciation.
What do you appreciate about the JOBLINGE participants for internships and apprenticeships?
JOBLINGE participants are usually very well prepared.
They are often clear about what they want to achieve and what steps are necessary to do so.
JOBLINGE lays an important foundation for this, as it actively encourages reflection.
In addition, participants learn to signal problems, communicate and ask for help.
These skills are very important for us in vocational training, as they enable us to provide tailored support in the event of difficulties and contribute to the success of the training.
What role does the formal education of applicants play for you?
We don’t pay attention to school grades or reports.
Because hardly anyone was assessed fairly and according to their abilities at school.
Grades simply do not reflect a person’s actual abilities and skills.
What do you look for in applicants for apprenticeships?
First and foremost, we pay attention to motivation: What attracts applicants to this particular job and why do they want to work for Leipziger Verkehrsbetriebe?
Are they enthusiastic about our variety of activities or do they want to make a contribution to climate protection at a transport company?
We also determine motivation based on the form and language style of the application.
This shows how much effort applicants put in and how interested they are.
It is crucial that you are enthusiastic about the job, because only people who are happy in their job are good at it.