From construction helper to trainee: Kazim's path at STRABAG
Hello Kazim, please introduce yourself briefly: Who are you, how long have you been working at STRABAG and in what role?
Kazim: Hello, I'm Kazim, 29 years old. I previously worked for some time as a construction assistant in road construction at STRABAG in Würzburg and then decided to train as a road builder. I am currently in my 1st year of training.
How did it come about that you started an apprenticeship even though you were already working at STRABAG?
Kazim: I had wanted to work at STRABAG for a long time and when I got the chance, I was very happy and accepted straight away. When I was later asked whether I could imagine doing an apprenticeship, I didn't hesitate for long - I hadn't originally planned to do it. But I quickly realised that it was a great opportunity to do an apprenticeship in a large company and gain a foothold. An apprenticeship is important and opens up many opportunities for professional development.
Has the switch to training changed anything?
Kazim: Definitely. Financially in particular, it was a change at the beginning. A lot has also changed on the construction site: I used to distribute tasks, now I'm the one who receives and implements them. And then there's the vocational school - going back to school at almost 30 years old and learning with different age groups is a challenge.
Does your previous construction site experience help you with your training?
Kazim: Definitely. I previously worked mainly in the asphalt column and am now gaining insights into many different areas. My manual experience helps me to quickly familiarise myself with new tasks and implement them. I'm also familiar with many processes and the company from my time as a construction assistant - that's a big advantage.
What has been the biggest challenge in your apprenticeship so far and how have you overcome it?
Kazim: The biggest change for me was no longer being the one to hand out the tasks to the apprentices, but to receive them from others and carry them out. Another challenge is the age difference - many of the other trainees are much younger. I have a lot to do with them because of the vocational school and the inter-company training.
My solution is that I consciously approached the situation with an open mind, listened a lot and familiarised myself with the role of apprentice again. Over time, you get into a routine, grow into the new tasks and quickly find your place in the team.
What do you generally like most about your job?
Kazim: To be honest, everything. I really enjoy my work. I like working outside - an office job wouldn't be for me. You take on responsibility, work in a team and can also complete some tasks independently. The work is also very varied - whether it's paving, asphalt paving or canal construction. It never gets boring.
What qualities do you think you need to have to be successful as a road builder?
Kazim: Motivation, physical and mental resilience, manual dexterity, weather resistance and the ability to work in a team are the most important qualities in my opinion.
What does your future look like at STRABAG? Do you have any career goals that you would like to achieve?
Kazim: My first goal is to successfully complete my apprenticeship. If I perform well, I definitely want to develop further. I can well imagine doing further training to become a foreman afterwards. I particularly like the asphalt / blacktop area - I would like to specialise further here in the future. I am very grateful to my superiors for the opportunities here and I feel comfortable, which is why I would like to stay with the company in the long term.
What tips would you give to someone who is thinking about starting an apprenticeship at STRABAG?
Kazim: Don't hesitate - just do it. And it's best to do an internship beforehand to find out whether the job really suits you. What STRABAG offers its trainees cannot be taken for granted. A lot is invested and you get really good support.
Thank you for your insights and good luck on your journey, Kazim!