Today's talents. Tomorrow's professionals.

What does this change mean for the trainees? What experiences do the new vocational trainers bring to the table, and what are their hopes for their time together? A conversation about personal highlights, inspiring role models, open communication, and the opportunities that come with a fresh start.

A change that inspires and brings people together

When the apprentices heard about the change, their reactions varied. Simon had already expected it and took the news in stride. Since he has only one year left in his apprenticeship and his previous mentors, Joe and Michi, are still with the company, he was mostly curious to see what new ideas Ibish and Colin would bring to the table.

Erik, on the other hand, was surprised at first: “At first I was shocked because I had no idea that’s how it worked—and especially that such a change could happen so quickly.” He has since gotten used to the idea, even though everyday life will feel different now that he’s no longer with his instructors.

Luca takes a pragmatic view of the change: “At the end of the day, we’re all still working for the same company, so it’s not as dramatic as I imagined it would be at first.”

Three reactions, one common thread: A change brings new momentum, but also the opportunity to build on what already exists and forge new relationships.

Learn, try things out, and push yourself to new heights

If you ask the apprentices about their personal highlights, you’ll quickly realize that an apprenticeship at Sharp DX Switzerland involves much more than just learning technical skills on a daily basis.

For Simon, it’s above all the many opportunities to discover new things: getting to know different teams of experts, helping out on various projects, and gaining hands-on experience. He especially appreciates that he doesn’t just get to watch—he gets to pitch in himself.

Luca cites setting up his own training environment as a personal highlight. From planning to implementation to troubleshooting any issues that arose, he was able to develop numerous new skills. The challenges, in particular, were valuable to him: “Even when problems came up, it was still cool because I learned something from them.”

Erik, for his part, highlights the apprentice events. They gave him the opportunity to get to know his coworkers and instructors outside of the daily work routine. These personal encounters build trust and strengthen team spirit—an important foundation for effective collaboration.

Sharing Knowledge and Supporting People

With Ibish and Colin, two vocational trainers are taking on this responsibility, each approaching their task from different but complementary perspectives.

For Ibish, sharing the knowledge he has built up over the years is a top priority. In doing so, he aims not only to teach students technical skills but also to instill in them values that will support them as they move forward in life.

“As a vocational instructor, you don’t just train students in a trade—you also help shape them as young people,” he says. His goal is to prepare the students for their future, both professionally and personally.

Colin places special emphasis on providing personal guidance and support in everyday life. He knows that everyone faces their own challenges during their apprenticeship. That’s why he wants to be there for them, listen to their concerns, and reassure the apprentices that they can come to him with any questions or difficulties.

He sums up his motivation this way: “My goal is for them to feel well cared for and to have the best possible conditions to successfully complete their education.”

Good Role Models, New Inspiration

Both vocational trainers can look back on their own experiences from their apprenticeships, and these experiences shape their current approach.

Ibish remembers his own vocational trainers as people who helped him grow not only professionally but also personally. Their advice has helped him in many situations. That is why he wants to carry on much of what they taught him exactly as it was.

For Colin, however, contact with his vocational trainer at the time was rather infrequent. It was precisely this experience that helped him develop a clear vision for his new role: regular communication, personal connection, and active support should be a given for the apprentices.

These two perspectives show just how valuable different experiences can be. Good vocational training does not mean prescribing a single path, but rather learning from one’s experiences and consciously shaping one’s own role.

Openness and mutual support

What does it take for the collaboration between apprentices and vocational trainers to be successful? For Luca, the answer is a personal one: “As an insider tip, I’d say they should pay attention to new apprentices, since I needed a little more support at the beginning of my apprenticeship than I do now.”

His point makes it clear that learners have different needs depending on their level of training. While some are already able to carry out projects on their own, others still need more guidance and support.

Erik puts it simply: If something is bothering you, you should speak up. He’s open to feedback and criticism. This is an attitude that’s important to Colin as well: He encourages learners to ask questions, accept help, and share their knowledge with one another.

“You’re all in the same boat and can learn a lot from one another,” is his advice. After all, collaboration is a key factor for success, especially in an apprenticeship. When people support one another, they often reach their goals faster and learn together in the process.

The Next Step: Taking Responsibility

We’re already looking ahead. A specific joint project is on the horizon in the coming weeks: The trainees will begin working with their own client, for whom they will be primarily responsible. Preparations are underway, and the official launch is scheduled for October.

The project offers the chance to apply what they’ve learned so far while also taking on new responsibilities. For the trainees, this means working more independently, developing solutions as a team, and gaining insight into everyday professional life from a new perspective. For Ibish and Colin, it’s an opportunity to provide targeted guidance to the trainees and witness their growth firsthand.

Moving Forward Together into the Next Phase

The transition in vocational training marks a new chapter, not only for Ibish and Colin, but also for Simon, Luca, Erik, and Ana. The conversations show that differing expectations and experiences do not have to be an obstacle. On the contrary: they can form the basis for a collaborative relationship in which people learn from one another, communicate openly, and grow together.

And perhaps that is precisely the most beautiful thing that learners and vocational trainers have in common: Both are embarking on a new phase, both bring their own experiences to the table, and both have the opportunity to actively shape this journey.

After all, successful teaching isn't just a matter of the knowledge that's imparted. It thrives on people who support one another, build trust, and work together so that, in the end, everyone can say, "It was worth it."