My name is Leon Bauerdick, I am 20 years old and completed my training as an insurance and finance clerk in June 2024. I have been working in the motor fleet department since April, where I was also allowed to stay after my training.
How did you come to do your apprenticeship at Leue?
I came to this apprenticeship because my father also works at LEUE & NILL and I had already completed a day-long internship at our company in earlier years.
How did your work week go?
Since I had 1 ½ vocational school days during my apprenticeship, I was in the office all day on Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays, Tuesdays were my half vocational school day, so I was in the office from noon on, and Wednesdays I had a full day of school.
Do you like looking back on your training at LEUE & NILL?
Yes, I like to look back fondly on my apprenticeship because during that time I was able to get to know many different departments in our company. In addition, the projects we worked on were always exciting, so I saw that insurance is much more multifaceted than I had thought before my apprenticeship.
What caused you the most problems at the beginning of your training?
Since I had never had to make business phone calls before my apprenticeship, it was very challenging at first. However, this changed quickly over time because we had telephone training, and making phone calls also plays a major role during the time spent in field service, which makes you quickly forget the initial difficulties.
Additionally, I initially found it difficult being away from my daily office routine for 1 ½ days due to school, and I didn't know the best way to focus on both school and the job.
A highlight moment in the training
Especially the trips with the trainees were always a highlight, because as a group we always had a strong bond; even though we hadn't known each other long, everyone was up for any fun.
Funniest moment during my apprenticeship
I can't think of one particularly funny moment, as all the trips and meetings with the trainees were fun and we laughed a lot together.
How did things go for you after your apprenticeship?
Since I just finished my apprenticeship this summer, I will first look for the challenge in the department.
Whether or how I will continue my education in the future, I am leaving open for now.
Were your expectations met during your apprenticeship? Or what had you hoped for before starting your apprenticeship?
My expectations of the training were met because over the 3 years I was taught theoretical and practical knowledge that is important for the profession. In addition, I was always supported by the trainers and colleagues with questions and problems. Furthermore, communication was always open and transparent. In addition, there was regular feedback and constructive criticism to promote further development.
Do you still have contact with your former fellow trainees? What was your relationship with the other trainees like in general?
Compared to the time during the apprenticeship, contact with the other trainees has decreased because you no longer see each other once a week in the trainee round, at school, or in the project teams. However, when you do run into each other in the hallway or talk on the phone, the relationship is just as good as it was during the apprenticeship.
How was your relationship with your training managers?
The relationship with the training managers was always good, you always felt well looked after and you could always talk to both of them if you had any problems.
Marco and Simon were up for anything, so you could always drop by their office for a little chat and a laugh.
I particularly liked the time before my final exam, when every trainee was prepared for the exam in the best possible way, so that you could go into the exam with a good feeling..
How do you like the atmosphere in our company?
I like the atmosphere at LEUE & NILL because the mood is casual and relaxed, and everyone is respected. If you've done a good job, it is also appreciated and recognized.
Furthermore, team spirit is always the top priority.
Did you find the training stressful or did you feel stressed during your training?
The training was also stressful at times, because you had to do homework in addition to work and after school, and you also had to study for exams. After a long workday, motivation was often quite limited. This led to studying or doing homework only at the last minute, which caused stress. But over time, you got better and better at organizing yourself and were able to better fit study times into your daily routine.
