Do you want to start off your working life the right way? Or perhaps you already have experience and want to take a new path? Then you’ve come to the right place! We asked former and current trainees about their experiences during their apprenticeship to become office management assistants at Kaufland e-commerce.
General information about the apprenticeship
As an office management assistant, you are the figurehead of a company in almost every industry. You are responsible for many things that happen behind the scenes in a business, and you are often the first point of contact for customers, partners, suppliers, sellers and employees. This apprenticeship, which has existed since 2014, is still a relatively new concept and replaces the previous vocational occupations of office administrator, business administrator and office communication specialist.
Your tasks and work locations are as varied as they are interesting, and your day-to-day work will mainly involve organisational and administrative tasks.
The areas of work include, for example:
- Auditing and accounting
- Order processing
- Office management
- Customer service
- Organisation of events, trade fairs etc.
- and much more besides!
The apprenticeship normally lasts three years and usually takes place in a dual system: “Our apprentices spend two days a week at vocational school during their training to get the theoretical know-how. The rest of the week they then work in the company to learn the practical side of things”, explains Lena, who is responsible for the trainees at Kaufland e-commerce. “In the case of outstanding performance, there is also the possibility to shorten the training period. In addition, we are flexible regarding the work location”, she continues. This means that apprentices can work at our locations in Darmstadt and Cologne or on a mobile basis. Therefore, the choice of vocational school is also up to the apprentices.
Nico and the finance team
Currently, the finance team is the focus of training at Kaufland e-commerce. Depending on your wishes, you can also get a taste of other departments so you can orientate yourself further.
For example, Nico started his apprenticeship as an office management assistant in 2019, then shortened it, and has already successfully completed it. He was primarily deployed in the finance team and now works permanently in accounting.
“I have worked in different departments within finance such as invoicing, auditing, accounting, and fraud and receivables management. I was assigned flexibly, which provided variety and gave me the opportunity to find myself and see what I really wanted to do afterwards”, he explains to us.
I was not treated like a trainee, but like a normal permanent employee. I was so well supported and my introduction to the work was so good that I was quickly able to work independently. It really was a great experience.
Nico, Accounting
After the first year of his apprenticeship, Nico also began further training to become a state-certified business economist in the field of human resources: “I’m doing the additional training at an evening school, and I get great support from the company if I have to leave early to attend it, for example”.
Vanessa and customer service
Vanessa also completed her apprenticeship as an office management assistant at Kaufland e-commerce and now works permanently in customer service. “I was placed in customer service right from the start and realised straight away that it was exactly my thing”, she explains. That is why, at her own request, she spent her entire training period with her current team.
“I felt like a permanent member of the team right from the start and was quickly allowed to work on special tasks. My opinion was always appreciated, and I have always felt like a valued member of the team”, she continues. What Vanessa liked most was that she could work freely and make decisions herself – always with the backing of the team leader.
During my apprenticeship, I was assigned to customer service. I was then also taken on there after the apprenticeship and I couldn’t be happier today.
Vanessa, Customer Service
An apprenticeship on equal terms and with excellent prospects
“Here, the trainees are just as integrated as any other employee”, says Lena. She continues: “They have their fixed tasks and can help develop the processes in the teams. Of course, they also get the appropriate support in all areas so that they can learn and develop themselves”.
But there’s fun to be had as well: There are various Slack channels where all trainees can chat amongst themselves, and team events are held regularly – online or in person, depending on the situation.
The chances of being taken on are good if the apprenticeship is successfully completed:
We would like to be able to work with the apprentices long-term after their training.
Lena, Human Resources
Your profile
If you want to start an apprenticeship with us as an office management assistant, you should have an interest in e-commerce. Lena also advises: “It is important that apprentices think outside the box and want to develop personally. Since the e-commerce industry in particular thrives on a fast pace, changes should also be seen as an opportunity”.
Nico and Vanessa also agree on the following:
- Be a team player – because it’s important that you pull together as a team in your daily work.
- Be committed – because if you work independently, you can also get responsibility quickly.
- Be open – trust yourself and be communicative, because you represent the company to customers, sellers, partners and other employees.
- Have fun – so that you can approach your work with motivation.