WELCOME to Gottwald: 16 new apprentices kicked off their training this year with our Apprentice Welcome Week. Eleven of them began their apprenticeship on September 7th, four had already started earlier, and one apprentice transferred directly into the second year from another company. However, one thing they all had in common: before heading to the construction sites, a week full of getting to know each other, knowledge transfer, and team spirit was on the agenda.💡🎉
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They are assured top-tier training, the range of tasks to be learned is extremely comprehensive, and a great deal of fun is guaranteed. During their apprenticeship, our trainees work in a variety of fields on industrial, commercial, and private large and small construction sites. We are particularly pleased that this year we were able to further expand our female power. This year, an ambitious young female apprentice is once again part of the team.
Apprentice Week
The absolute highlight was once again the Gottwald Apprentice Week . It allows our apprentices and our Apprenticeship Coordinator to start their professional lives in a relaxed manner, get to know each other quickly through games and fun, and learn the most important basics for a successful apprenticeship right from the start.
Arriving, getting to know each other, and starting together
The first day was all about getting to know each other. After the welcome, the apprentices got acquainted through varied team-building and icebreaker games. They were supported by apprentices who had already started at Gottwald and shared their personal tips. From helpful advice for everyday work to humorous recommendations like 'always carry at least two rolls of insulating tape,' everything was covered.
During a scavenger hunt across the entire company premises, the new colleagues not only discovered the most important areas of our company but also got to know the in-house teams. It was particularly nice to see how the group became more relaxed by the hour and quickly bonded.
Safety, health, and procedures
The second day focused on organizational topics. The apprentices received information on company procedures and regulations and were introduced to digital tools like the new Flip app.
An important focus was also on health and safety. In addition to safety instruction by our safety officer, the company doctor was introduced. The apprentices went through various stations, including workwear distribution, AUVA vision and hearing tests, as well as vaccination record and orthopedic checks.
The day concluded with a theoretical and practical fire safety training session together with the Melk Volunteer Fire Department. Participants were able to apply what they had learned directly during a fire extinguishing exercise.
Hands-on tool knowledge
The third day revolved around the practical basic equipment for the upcoming apprenticeship years. After distributing the personal tool kits, tool training was on the agenda. Additionally, important topics such as waste separation, cable and machinery knowledge, and the correct use of personal protective equipment were covered.
Of course, hands-on work was not missed: drilling into concrete blocks and using angle grinders allowed the apprentices to gain their first experiences and practice the safe handling of work equipment. A free ice cream from Heindl at McDonald's provided a refreshing break in between.
The step from school to working life
How does school life differ from working life? What matters in dealing with colleagues and customers? These questions were addressed by the apprentices on the fourth day during a training session by LM-Lehrlingstraining.
The focus was on topics such as appearance, communication, teamwork, and respectful interaction. The goal was to ease the young people into this new phase of life and provide them with important guidance for their daily work.
Team spirit on the fast track
To wrap up the week, everyone went together to the traditional go-karting event at the ÖAMTC Wachauring. A total of 26 apprentices from all years participated.
Here, it became clear once again how quickly the group had become a team. After just a few days, new friendships had formed, and the apprentices were able to end the week together with plenty of fun and action.
Welcome to Gottwald!
The Apprentice Welcome Week is an important starting point for our future skilled professionals every year. It provides space for getting to know each other, imparts fundamental knowledge for daily work, and creates a strong sense of community from the very beginning.
We are very much looking forward to accompanying our new apprentices on their journey and wish them a successful start to their training at Gottwald. Here’s to exciting years full of learning, development, and shared successes! ⚡
Following the motto 'The early bird catches the worm,' we are already happy to accept your application for an apprenticeship. Don’t hesitate & get in touch right away:
Alina Haberl
Apprenticeship Coordinator
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