GOK successfully trains “A-grade apprentices”
31 Jan 2025For decades, GOK has focused on apprenticeships for committed young talent. We are even more proud when our efforts are successful.
The Würzburg-Schweinfurt Chamber of Industry and Commerce congratulates us on our commitment, as two of our apprentices completed their final exams in 2024 with the grade “very good”. We are very proud of our now former apprentices.
Melanie Ising (industrial clerk) and Martin Schmidt (warehouse clerk) tell us what they think about their apprenticeships and their current jobs in a joint interview.
Why did you decide to start your apprenticeship at GOK?
Melanie Ising (MI): I generally opted for the commercial apprenticeship because I really liked the subject of business administration at school, and I enjoy accounting. I also like the fact that GOK is a family business and is close to where I live.
Martin Schmidt (MS): I have been thinking about a logistics apprenticeship for a long time. When I was looking around for an apprenticeship, GOK was often suggested to me as a good company to which I then applied.
How did you like your apprenticeship at GOK?
MI: I liked the apprenticeship very much. It was varied and I was able to get to know many different departments. I also found it very good that I was supported during my apprenticeship.
MS: The variety in the different areas of logistics made the apprenticeship a lot of fun.
What was particularly good about the apprenticeship?
MI: I particularly like the fact that I was allowed to work independently a lot.
MS: The opportunity to learn many different practical skills, such as driving a forklift truck or planning storage areas, has opened up many options for the future.
Would you recommend the apprenticeship to others?
MI: Yes, I would highly recommend the industrial clerk apprenticeship at GOK.
MS: Yes, if you are interested in logistics, I can really recommend the warehouse specialist apprenticeship.
Why did you decide to go into accounting after your apprenticeship?
MI: I particularly enjoyed accounting when I was at school, and I thought that I would like to work in accounting after my apprenticeship. In the end, I liked the department as such best at GOK during my apprenticeship and I am happy that I was taken on there.
What do you enjoy about your work?
MS: I enjoy most filling and organizing storage locations and preparing orders for dispatch.
What advice would you give new apprentices?
MI: I would tell new apprentices that not every department is always fun or suitable for you, but you shouldn't bury your head in the sand. There are always departments that suit you better and will be more fun.
MS: I would advise new apprentices to always ask questions. That was one of my biggest mistakes, that I often didn't ask enough questions at the beginning when I didn't understand something. So don't be afraid to ask, no one will judge you for it.
What were the biggest challenges for you during your apprenticeship?
MI: Getting by on the apprenticeship pay was a big challenge for me. I've already moved out and live alone, so it's not always easy. Nevertheless, I would always choose this apprenticeship again.
MS: Getting to know and learn about the large number of products and their storage locations takes time and caused me problems at first.