This year, the Apprentice Forum hosted by wego and vti took place at Chemotechnik Abstatt GmbH and Hirsch Porozell GmbH. Around 45 apprentices in their second and third year of training, as well as those graduating, were treated to an exciting mix of theory and practice, including plant tours and an evening farewell for the 2024 graduating class.

wego and vti organizes this event every year for its apprentices together with its industry partners. Over two days, the young professionals gain comprehensive insights into the production processes of the participating suppliers, learn about the respective products in theory, and can apply them in practice.

This year, the focus was on flooring technology. After the product presentations by the two industry partners, it was time for hands-on work: the apprentices’ task was to create screed sample areas in four groups (with approx. 10 participants), from insulation and underfloor heating through to laying the screed. “We want our apprentices to experience the products in practice so they know what they are talking about,” explains Alfons Horn, Chairman of the Executive Management Board of wego and vti. “This experience is important for all our apprentices, regardless of whether they are completing a commercial or a technical apprenticeship.” Occupational safety was also an important topic in this part of the program. At the same time, the meeting serves to connect apprentices who have traveled from all wego and vti locations and to facilitate mutual exchange of experience.

The first day of the Apprentice Forum ended with the ceremonial farewell to the graduates by HR Manager Christian Kieser, most of whom were taken on by wego and vti. The following day featured the plant tours; afterwards, the sample areas produced the day before were assessed by the application engineers and trainers, and the apprentices received corresponding feedback. In his conclusion published on LinkedIn, Andreas Eisenreich, Managing Director of Chemotechnik Abstatt GmbH, expressed his enthusiasm about the commitment shown by the young wego and vti professionals: “What an impressive group of young people who immersed themselves in the theory and practice of screed with immense curiosity and dedication! Screed is sexy – the spark definitely ignited over these two days. We are delighted that we were able to kindle this passion and showcase the fascination of our trade.”