Tunnel construction adventure: Jonas' trainee assignment in Canada

09 Mar 2026

In this interview, he tells us how he came to STRABAG, what stations have shaped him and why the move abroad has meant so much to him.

From Bonn to Toronto: Jonas spent three months working on a tunnel construction site in Canada during his technical trainee program.

Jonas, how did you come to STRABAG and why did you choose the trainee program?

Jonas: I've been with STRABAG since March 2024 and started here with the technical trainee program. I got there by chance: I had been in contact with the construction industry for some time through my stepfather. During my civil engineering studies, I was a working student in structural engineering, and it was through contacts that I found out about the opportunities at STRABAG. After a two-week trial internship, it was clear to me that I wanted to start the trainee program. The insights and the teamwork convinced me.

Which areas did you get to know during the trainee program?

Jonas: I went through many different stations, including the areas of land management, costing, construction management and legal management. This diversity showed me how broadly positioned the Group is. I found the open start very positive. I was given a friendly welcome straight away and quickly understood who was taking on which role in the team. That made it much easier for me to get started. Of course, my assignment abroad in Canada was also particularly exciting.

Why did you decide to work abroad in Canada?

Jonas: I deliberately wanted to go far away to challenge myself personally and at the same time get to know a new specialist area: tunnel construction. Canada offered both.

For me, the assignment abroad was a perfect combination of personal development and professional consolidation.

Jonas
Technical trainee

What did you experience during your assignment abroad in Canada?

Jonas: I worked on a tunnel construction site that is part of the expansion of the subway network in Toronto. The tunnel construction site actually works a bit like its own factory - with fixed processes, sophisticated logistics and highly specialized machines that are individually manufactured for the respective construction measures. Professionally, I gained a lot of practical experience and a better overall view of construction processes. I also learned a lot on a personal level: being abroad alone for a longer period of time for the first time took me out of my comfort zone.

I also got to know other trainees on site, with whom I did a lot of things. We were out and about around Toronto and in the surrounding national parks. The Canadian landscape was a real highlight.

What is your conclusion and plan for the future?

Jonas: The trainee program is generally a great way to get started because you get a lot of support and can build up a strong network.
I am currently working in traffic route construction and can well imagine myself in construction management in the long term. I'm excited to see where my path will take me.

Thank you very much for the interview and all the best for the future!

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