IC Insight: Apprenticeship and Career Start at INERATEC 

In 2021, we introduced you to our former apprentice Johannes Fabry. He was the first apprentice at INERATEC and is with us to this day - currently in his position as Controller in the Finance department. Sonja Schneider also successfully completed her training as an industrial clerk with us (with honors!) in summer 2024 and joined us as a Junior Project Manager.  

In an interview, they share how they both experienced their training and the step into permanent employment.  

How did you experience your apprenticeship at INERATEC?

Sonja: Overall, my apprenticeship was very 'hands-on'. I really enjoyed being thrown in at the deep end at INERATEC and growing with it. It was a steep learning curve, which in hindsight turned out to be a great advantage.    
The company's growth phase during my apprenticeship made me feel like I was not only working in a start-up, but also in a medium-sized company.    
As an apprentice at INERATEC, you don't go through a standard program. Of course, there are fixed stages, but you are really viewed as a person with individual strengths and experience and supported accordingly. Right from the start, you take part in the day-to-day business instead of spending your time doing exercises. This really motivated me.  

Looking back, what were the most important lessons or memorable experiences from your training at INERATEC?

Johannes: I learned a lot about organizing my own work. Effectively planning tasks and understanding my own capacity helped me tremendously. This skill is particularly valuable in stressful times, as it allows me to prioritize tasks correctly.

Of course, major milestones—such as the delivery of the first large container for our project in Werlte—were unforgettable. It’s incredibly exciting to witness the company’s growth across different departments and from multiple perspectives.

How did you perceive the relationships among apprentices?

Sonja: The atmosphere at INERATEC is friendly and open—even if you're new, you never have to spend your breaks alone. There was also a strong sense of solidarity among the apprentices. What I especially appreciated was that we all were integrated as full team members and can actively shape the training process for future apprentices.

Working at INERATEC provides the opportunity to truly make an impact. Initiative, creativity, and teamwork are not just buzzwords here—they are the keys to achieving great things together. What matters is not only what you do but how you do it. If you’re curious, motivated, and willing to take on responsibility, you can actively shape your future here and drive sustainable change.

What does your current position look like? Is it what you expected before your apprenticeship? What are your responsibilities today?

Johannes: My role in the Finance department is very diverse, ranging from project controlling and issuing invoices to mentoring apprentices and students. However, I didn’t have a clear expectation before starting my training. What excited me most was the opportunity to get to know the company as a whole and find a way to contribute and develop myself—and I’ve definitely succeeded in that.

How was the transition from apprenticeship to full-time employment for you?

Sonja: Deciding which department to continue in after completing the apprenticeship wasn’t easy. You gain insights into many different areas of the company during training. That ultimately led me to project management —and I am absolutely happy with that choice. The soft skills I developed alongside my technical knowledge were particularly helpful in making this transition smooth.

How has the team changed over the years, and how do you perceive the work atmosphere today?

Johannes: The team has grown enormously, which means you don’t know every single colleague anymore. Partly, this is due to remote work and the expansion to multiple locations. However, we’ve managed to maintain our openness and flexibility. When someone has a question, they can always ask a colleague, and together we find a solution.

What advice would you give to someone looking for an apprenticeship? 

Sonja: I would advise everyone to reflect on what truly motivates them and factor that into their search. INERATEC is the right place for people who care about climate change and the energy transition and want to align their personal values with their professional work. To me, it’s important to stand behind what I do. INERATEC is a great fit for individuals who enjoy working independently, take initiative, and are eager for diverse experiences.

To conclude, who would you recommend INERATEC to?

Johannes: Anyone who wants to learn a lot, continuously develop themselves, and take initiative will feel right at home here. […] Overall, I’m just proud to be part of this team.

Are you looking for an apprenticeship where you can grow alongside your team and truly make an impact? At INERATEC, you’ll find openness, flexibility, and a supportive team that works together to create solutions. Here, it’s not about knowing everything from the start—it’s about being willing to ask questions, learn from one another, and achieve great things together. 
Join our team and help shape the future with us!