New horizons for trainees - Certificate Kaufmann:frau International

• Further training during the apprenticeship
• EU "Erasmus+" program, Wittelsbacher Land vocational school and ZÜBLIN Timber support experience abroad

Natalie, an apprentice industrial clerk, has taken the first step in Ireland towards gaining certification as an international clerk. The opportunities for an international career within our Group are varied and exciting. With projects and locations worldwide, it offers adventurous employees numerous opportunities to gain international experience. A broad educational foundation with language training is worth its weight in gold.

This year, Natalie had the opportunity to expand her linguistic, professional and intercultural skills. This was made possible by the EU's Erasmus+ program, which offered the trainee funding for a three-week stay abroad. This gave her the opportunity to take the "Kaufmann:frau International" examination of the Irish-German Chamber of Foreign Trade.

Organization and costs
The trip to Galway was organized by the Wittelsbacher Land vocational school in cooperation with the German-Irish Chamber of Foreign Trade. ZÜBLIN Timber supports the project because it provides the young talents with valuable impetus for their personal development and a sustainable expansion of their professional qualifications.
The number of participants was limited to a maximum of 20 trainees in the fields of industrial management and office management from all year groups. Natalie's application took the form of a letter of motivation in English and a CV. We were sure to support her: the company covered her travel costs and she also received five days of special leave.

Start of the adventure
The stay abroad took place from April 27 to May 17, 2025. The young people were accommodated in modern Seaview Apartments in Galway, with an impressive view of the sea. As all participants were accommodated together, the cohesion within the group was noticeably strengthened through shared school trips, evening activities and excursions.

Lots of learning material
At Galway Business School, knowledge was consolidated five days a week from 9:00 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. and built upon each week.

1. Week
- School Orientation
- Business English
- Irish Culture Class (Ireland and its Landmarks)
- Conversation Club
- GBS Masterclass
- Weekly Assignment
- Galway History Walking Tour
- Project Work / LMS Platform Access

2. Week
- Business English
- Irish Culture (Oisin in Tir na n Òg)
- GBS Masterclass (Workshop 1)
- Company Visit (Diligent)
- Company visit (Porter Shed)
- Weekly Assignment (Listening Finance and Forum Contribution)
- Project Work / LMS Platform Access

3. Week 
- Business English
- Project Work/ LMS Platform Access
- Irish Culture Class (Troubles and Civil Rights in Northern Ireland)
- GBS Masterclass (Workshop 2)
- Group Presentations
- Final Exam Awards/Certificate Ceremony
- Weekly Assignment (Reading Strategy and Success and Forum Contribution)


No exam, no certificate
The final exam consisted of several parts. At the beginning, Natalie had to set up an imaginary start-up company on the Irish market in a group of a maximum of 4 people. In a 20-minute presentation, the team presented four selected locations in Ireland. Everything from the business idea, location overview, rental costs, advantages and disadvantages to a conclusion as to why the chosen location would be best suited for a start-up had to be worked out in advance and presented thoughtfully in English.
Each team player presented a location for five minutes. At the end, the optimal location was chosen together. Natalie's location won the race!

The exam was extensive, as the written test consisted of two reading texts with questions, a listening comprehension test with questions, a vocabulary check and challenging grammar tasks.

The effort was worth it: after successfully completing the industrial clerk course, Natalie was awarded the additional title of Kaufmann:frau International.

Time for sightseeing
No pain, no gain, but the leisure activities were certainly not neglected.
Natalie's highlights included the tours: Cliffs of Moher and Burren Full-Day Tour and Connemara and Kylemore Abbey Full-Day Tour, as well as the walks through the colorful old town of Galway. Fresh sea air with stays on the beach and visits to the world-famous pub, O'Connor's, were not to be missed.

Natalie's international spark was ignited, especially her language skills improved significantly and she is now even better equipped for the big wide world.