Starting an apprenticeship during the coronavirus pandemic: Neuberger welcomes new trainees

Social distancing and good hygiene were the order of the day as the young workers met at head office for the first time. After being welcomed by management – with no handshakes this year due to the pandemic – the young professionals were able to gain an initial impression of the company. The remainder of the induction week at the company’s headquarters in Franconia will include training, briefings and information events. All with strict safety and hygiene measures in place due to the ongoing pandemic.

“COVID-19 forced us to modify our tried and tested induction plan for new apprentices. This required a great deal of prior planning and ingenuity,” explains authorised signatory and HR manager Friedrich Uhl. “As an example, we can’t do any group work where it is not possible to maintain the recommended social distance. We also had to change the format of the apprentices’ first tour of the company, which normally takes place in a large group,” Uhl continues.

Despite the current pandemic and the associated uncertainty in the industry and the economy, Neuberger is maintaining its high apprenticeship quota this year. The specialist in building automation, room automation, clean room and process technology trains electronics engineers in automation technology, as well as electrical fitters. In the commercial sector, trainees start their working lives as an apprentice industrial clerk or an IT specialist in system integration. One candidate opted for the dual study program (DHBW) in electrical engineering and information technology, which is organised in conjunction with Kempten University of Applied Sciences.

The selection process for the 2021 apprenticeship year is due to start in the coming weeks. Neuberger’s website provides information about the company’s apprenticeship, study and career opportunities for prospective school leavers with an interest in automation technology.