Increasing Success by Fostering New Talent

Schleuniger attaches a great deal of importance to youth training. Since the 80’s the company trains apprentices in Switzerland. “Truly successful is the one who helps others to succeed,” said CEO Martin Strehl. “This is the reason we offer young, motivated people the opportunity to train in an innovative and dynamic field. Thus, they are able to start their career through input and help keep Schleuniger successful.”

Schleuniger offers apprenticeships in four occupations: electronics, polymechanics (four year apprenticeship required), business administration and logistics (three year apprenticeship required). Presently, we have sixteen apprentices in our Switzerland offices. Schleuniger’s apprentice program is valuable for both the company and the apprentices involved. The program offers apprentices good, solid career training, while on the other hand it ensures that properly trained young people enter the wire processing industry.

Each area of study has a particular emphasis that the apprentices focus on during their time with Schleuniger. Sound practical and theoretical technical knowledge is emphasized in the training of polymechanics. Our highly modern mechanical work centers on offering the best opportunities to accomplish this. In electronics, the emphasis in the training lies in development and research. The apprentices are exposed from the beginning of the working processes and are guided by competent professionals through the entire production line. “Because our trainees are involved from the beginning, they are highly motivated,” said Michael Jost, training supervisor. 

Peter Stähli, polymechanics apprentice

The apprentices in the business administration field move through four different departments during their training: Sales, Purchasing, Accounting and Marketing. Additionally, a two week assembly assignment is mandatory for completion of the apprenticeship. This allows apprentices the opportunity to provide feedback on the company as a whole as well as each department.

From “Open Day” to Becoming an Apprentice

When a young person shows an interest in training at Schleuniger, they are invited to spend a day at the company. After their visit, they can then apply for an apprenticeship. “The great team spirit and good working environment impressed me. After two days I applied for a position as a trainee. I was then invited for an interview and got the position. I was ecstatic and would have liked to start then and there,” said Irina Zürcher, third year apprentice in business administration.

Irina Zürcher, business administration apprentice

Training programs are very competitive and many young people often have to apply several times until they find and adequate fit. “Many young people apply up to a 100 times until they find a position. I was lucky and only had to apply twice. It is great that Schleuniger offers the young the possibility of getting trained,” said Irina Zürcher. The key is to find a suitable apprenticeship and to enjoy doing what one does. Snezana Petrovic, first year apprentice, said, “I prefer working, as opposed to going to commercial school. The atmosphere at Schleuniger suits me.”

Schleuniger encourages apprentices both professionally and personally; if an apprentice refrains from smoking during their entire apprenticeship they are given an extra week paid holiday. This alone, for many apprentices is a good incentive to not start smoking. 

Practical Training for Students

Occasionally, university students receive the opportunity to gain hands-on experience at Schleuniger. Mike Schüpbach, a BA student in International Business Management completed part of his hands-on training at Schleuniger Thun and the remainder of his training took place at our American subsidiary, Schleuniger Inc., in Manchester, New Hampshire. “By looking at the Schleuniger website, I was especially impressed by their guidelines and their emphasis on team work,” he noted, “I found that they have their head office in Switzerland so I contacted Schleuniger Thun. This opened the doors to my international training.”

Marc Lussier, Vice President Inside Sales,
Schleuniger Inc./USA with trainee Mike Schüpbach

Trainees are not the only ones that receive valuable information from the program, Schleuniger often benefits from the new ideas trainees bring to the table. CEO Martin Strehl stated, “Our company is like a microcosm. To be able to accomplish our tasks in the market, we require committed individuals on all levels. New, active players increase output and ensure a good working climate at Schleuniger.”

For more information on training possibilities at Schleuniger, please contact our Human Resources Department.