ERASMUS+ program: A gateway to new experiences
The world is growing together, and with it the opportunities for young people to gain international experience. This was impressively demonstrated by the example of two Spanish trainees who recently completed an internship at GUTMANN GmbH in Weissenburg as part of the ERASMUS+ program. This unique opportunity was made possible by the long-standing partnership between the CIP Virgen del Camino in Pamplona and the Staatliche Berufsschule Weissenburg.
Experiences that leave their mark
During their internship with us, the Spanish trainees had the opportunity to immerse themselves in the German working world. Marcos H. (22) and Oier G. (20), the two participating trainees, reported on their impressions and experiences in an interview with Anna Bechholtz, HR Business Partner. "In Spain, we first get all the theoretical knowledge before we go into practice. Here in Germany, the system is different: the trainees go into the companies right from the start," explained Marcos. These differences in the training system were just the beginning of their journey of discovery.
The young men were particularly impressed by the new skills they learned at GUTMANN. "We learned new techniques such as welding and developed a protective device to prevent accidents with metal ships in the ice," Marcos said proudly. But practical skills were not the only focus. The cultural exchange with our German trainees proved to be just as valuable. "The biggest benefit of these days was not just learning new skills, but the cultural exchange and discussions with our German colleagues," Marcos emphasized.
Culinary discoveries and more
The Spanish guests also had some exciting culinary experiences. They were particularly impressed by typical German dishes such as white sausages and the regional sausages from Weissenburg. "In Spain, we eat a lot more fish, but here we tried a lot of meat and it was delicious," reported Oier. Another difference they noticed was the eating time. "The Germans eat earlier than we do in Spain," Marcos noted.
Tips for future interns
At the end of the interview, Marcos and Oier gave future interns some valuable tips. "Don't be afraid of language barriers. You can always communicate, even if you don't speak the language perfectly," Marcos encouraged. Oier added: "Try to learn some English and talk to people. Communication is the key."
A look into the future
The Spanish trainees agree: the internship at GUTMANN GmbH was an enriching experience that they would not want to miss. The new friendships they made and the insights they gained into the German way of working have left a lasting impression. "Maybe the German colleagues will come to Spain one day, either for vacation or for work," hopes Marcos.
In conclusion, programs such as ERASMUS+ are valuable instruments for promoting international exchange and opening up new horizons for young people. The cooperation between schools and companies in Spain and Germany is a shining example of the positive effects of such initiatives. We at GUTMANN GmbH are proud to be part of this wonderful experience. By working with the Spanish trainees, we have been able to make a valuable contribution to their professional and personal development. We look forward to more inspiring experiences like this!
Special thanks go to Armin Tober, who closely supervised our exchange trainees, to our training manager Ralf Lindner and to our colleague Anna Bechholtz, who conducted the interview and provided valuable insights. We would also like to thank all GUTMANN GmbH employees who made a significant contribution to the success of this internship. Last but not least, we would like to acknowledge our trainees, who not only learned a lot themselves, but also looked after the interns.
