Some of our apprentices, as well as those who have completed their apprenticeship within the Bell Food Group, were interviewed. They talk about how they like their work, how the application period went and how they manage school and work. Our former apprentices talk about their apprenticeship and what they plan for their future.
I turned my attention to this profession because basic commercial knowledge is essential for my future career.
I've known about the company for a while, because it is a prominent name in the food industry. I heard about traineeships at the Bell Food Group through an acquaintance of my mother.
It was quite unusual, since I was applying during the coronavirus pandemic. The open houses I attended were shortened, and my job interview took place in a large conference room in compliance with COVID-19 measures.
On the first day, you're given a lot of general information, including the philosophy and values of the Bell Food Group. The first week is when you meet a lot of new people and you're told about your duties and what the department expects of you.
Yes, I feel at home in the vocational school, even though there are considerable age differences. The combination of school and work was new for me, but I got used to it.
I'm quite satisfied with my choice. I have fantastic support, and the work is fun and challenging.
I first heard about Bell Germany through football (the Bell Harkebrügge works team) and that sparked my interest. After my internship I was confident that I wanted to be a machine and plant operator.
I made arrangements with my teacher and with management to work as a production assistant until the start of my training and get acquainted with the job.
On my first day I was given a tour and two briefings, and then I was allowed on the machines. I had lots of fun learning and working on new machines with terrific colleagues.
Unfortunately, some of my school instruction had to be done by video because of the COVID-19 situation. I think that the classes are very good, and I even got a few very good marks.
I like it a lot, I've learnt a lot and I'm getting better at assembling the machines and configuring the systems. I give it a 10 out of 10.
Unfortunately, I had to drop out of my traineeship in my final year because of health-related reasons. I was also not encouraged to continue working there.
After this traineeship in office assistance, I'd like to complete a full commercial traineeship at Bell, after which I'd like to gain some work experience with the company.
So far I've been in just two departments: Human Resources and Purchasing. I like both, and they have different advantages.
It is a highly recognised and valued programme with good opportunities for further training.
I would very much like to stay on at Bell for another year, but I'd also like to get to know other companies. The decision is still open.
My apprenticeship so far has been very good. I have been able to learn and see a lot of new things. The school is also very great. I was able to make a lot of friends and have very good contacts. Learning is also great when you have the right friends and also the necessary support in the company.
My work week is from Monday to Thursday; on Friday I have school. Many days are the same, but in between there is also variety and I enjoy that very much.
I think both are great. If I had to choose, it would be very difficult. I have a lot of friends at work, but also at school. But I would probably prefer to go to school.
I used to enjoy cooking at home with my mother. That's why I've always been interested in cooking and wanted to learn more. I really enjoyed going to home economics classes in high school. That's what got me hooked on doing an apprenticeship as a cook.
Yes, of course. I began my training in Business Administration at Hilcona AG in August 2019, so right now I'm in the middle of my second year.
My traineeship will last three years. What I especially like is that we trainees are sent to a new department every six months, giving us an in-depth view of the internal workings of the company. This variety of assignments also helps us decide what professional goals we want to pursue later.
It was a bit difficult for me to settle into the working world at the beginning of my traineeship. The new environment and, unlike at school, the responsibility towards others have brought me new challenges. I think this is the case for many people. In school you are only responsible for your own work, but in a company you are part of a large team, whether it's a department, a division, or for example Hilcona AG itself and its workforce. Everyone has to pull their weight, otherwise there could be disastrous mistakes.
I've since settled into the new environment and I like working for Hilcona very much.
I was previously in Transport and Purchasing, and I'm currently in Human Resources. Later I'll work in Order Processing, Accounting, and Food Service. I would still like to build something like corporate communication and marketing into my traineeship.
Right now my favourite department is Human Resources. I really enjoy working with people and on the variety of tasks that I'm given here. I find the work challenging, I can manage my tasks independently and work to my own schedule. I appreciate the staff's trust. I also like the fact that I can count on the support of my supervisors and trainers.
My week consists of three work days and two school days. Starting in the third year, I'll only go to school for one day each week. From Monday to Wednesday I'm at Hilcona, on Thursday and Friday I attend the vocational school in Buchs (BZB). In school, I am learning extended basic training as a commercial employee ("E-Profil") and am taking business, French, English, computer science, German, mathematics and sport. As for work, every morning I basically write down the priorities that I have to deal with that day. I should have my work completed before I go home.
I can't say. I like going to school, because I always enjoy learning new things and because it's a change from the work day. On the other hand, I like work because I can put the things I've learnt into practice. And because I have a shorter trip home to Austria.
I have always had a keen interest in economics, history and politics. Prior to my traineeship I had attended a secondary school, but unfortunately I wasn't happy there. At some point I started to think about what I wanted to do professionally, and it was clear that I wanted to attend university. However, I found it sensible to gain vocational experience first, and not only through internships and temporary or side jobs, but through comprehensive training. So I decided that the right path for me would be a commercial traineeship followed by the study of history, sociology, political science, or similar. Things ran their course and happily it turned out that I was offered the traineeship at Hilcona.
Decisions that extend far into the future, like career paths, can often be difficult. Nevertheless, I personally think it is something that everyone must think about and ask themselves – what really brings them fulfilment and happiness.
The time has gone by very quickly and I have learnt very many different things. The office atmosphere is also pleasant. The people are extremely helpful and friendly.
Due to the coronavirus measures, our department is currently divided into two groups and these work from home at different times. This means that my time in the office varies from week to week.
On Monday, I plan and set the goals that I want to meet that week and get to work. I have school on Tuesday and Wednesday. On Thursday, I normally work on the projects. I work on them some more on Friday and, at the end of the day, I reflect on whether I've met my goals, where I had difficulties, etc.
That's a hard question to answer; I like both, but we take on more diverse topics in school. At work, we learn a lot for the future, such as which technologies are used.
I was always interested in computers and technology, and I spent a lot of time at the computer. My interest in programming came later as I got into how the websites and programmes that we use daily function in the background.
If I get the opportunity to stay in my company, then of course I would like to. I think Hilcona AG offers a great insight into the professional world. With the six departments I'll be working in during my apprenticeship, I'll have the best possible orientation for my future career.
After three years, you already know a lot of people and, more importantly, you know the work processes. Likewise, you automatically become part of the company and everyone is appreciated for their work. I can gain a lot of valuable professional experience here.
After I have completed my apprenticeship, I would like to do the vocational baccalaureate. But not full time, but part time. Then I can work three days on the side and earn a little money to go with my studies. A little challenge is always good. After I have passed the Matura, I would like to study and try out new things in the professional world.
In the three or four years of apprenticeship, everyone has a lapse, a point where it becomes too much. The important thing is to stay calm. If I can divide my time well and, if I'm lucky, still learn on the job, then I'd say I have an advantage. As long as you are actively involved in the school, learning will be a lot easier. Of course, there are days when you have to work longer, but also days when you can leave earlier once everything is done.
My name is Janjira and I am training to be a commercial employee at Bell Schweiz AG in Basel. I am now in the third and final year of my traineeship.
I would like to, if possible. I have worked with five different departments throughout my training. During these years, I have made many contacts and learnt much about Bell and the meat industry. And naturally I'd like to apply this knowledge in the future.
After graduation, I would like to take a vacation and enter the big working world with new energy and gain professional experience.
Yes. In my first year, I had to get accustomed to the schedule: Monday and Tuesday in school, Wednesday to Friday at work. The variety is good, but not every department allowed me the opportunity to study in the office. In some departments, I was too tired to study in the evenings and so I had to sacrifice my weekends. You won't be stressed for the most part if you can organise your time well and are really disciplined about it.
Yes, I would like to stay for at least two more years to gain more experience. And if I like it a lot, I'll even stay a little longer.
Mostly, I'm looking forward to vocational school being over so that I can concentrate more on my work without having homework and tests.
It's OK, I can handle it. But now with the VA and the coming IPA, there's more to do.
My name is Lara Wolf and I am 20 years old. I began my basic training to be a commercial employee with Federal VET Diploma in August 2016 and successfully completed my training in August 2019. I currently work in Production Procurement in the position of "Administrative Assistance and Central Services Procurement".
I can't yet say where my profession will take me. But I do plan to continue my development. I'm not sure myself what direction that will be in.
Right now, I'd like to stay in Switzerland. I'm not a world traveller and so I wouldn't want to work abroad even for a short time. Then again, never say never. I don't know what the future holds.
I currently work in purchasing as Administrative Assistance and Central Services Procurement. I assist my supervisor, Thomas Graf, my boss, Catherine Grimaz, and the purchasing agents in various tasks. These include checking and filing specifications, filing certificates, creating info records and approving invoices, as well as any day-to-day business that needs taking care of.
To be honest, I preferred going to work. That was largely because of my fellow students. When I was a trainee, I had difficulty identifying with the other people in my class. I think the 7 to 10-year age difference made it a bit difficult. And I always enjoyed the practical side of the business much more.
My favourite subject in school was business because we learned many innovative and useful things.
I want to do further training as a logistics specialist. My goal is to stay here at Hügli.
As an apprentice, I preferred to go to work instead of school. And my favorite subject at vocational school was general education.
If offered the opportunity, I would also work abroad to improve my skills. Preferably I would go to a country where English is spoken. I am very open to new challenges.
At the moment I work at Hügli in Steinach as a logistician. Here I am responsible for the outgoing goods of large quantities. I'm very flexible and have good technical skills, so I've been able to support my team very well so far and even stand in for people when necessary and work in their department.
My name is Vigjilent Sheholli and I am 19 years old. I completed my commercial employee extended basic training ("E-Profil") at Bell in Switzerland in 2020. Today I am working in IT Services.
I would like to stay on at Bell at first and expand my professional knowledge. Parallel to this, I would like to work towards a degree in business information systems.
I wouldn't want to move away from Switzerland in the near future and working abroad isn't really my thing.
I'm in IT Services and, as the name suggests, I'm responsible for information technology services. This includes mobile phone preparation and support, time management monitoring for IT employees and processing catalogue applications.
I preferred going to work. The activities there were quite interesting and sometimes challenging.
I didn't have a favourite subject, but I felt most at home with English and computer science as these were the subjects that reflected my strengths and my interests.
