«Taking large objects apart, that's what I like»

I tell

"As a child, I liked working with an angle grinder, and when I was once allowed to help someone tear out a wall, I thought it was great. Although I like working and rough things, I wanted to be a hairdresser for a long time. After several trial apprenticeships, however, I realised that I didn't like the daily routine in a salon. I asked at the recycling centre if I could have a taster. I enjoyed the week so much that I applied for an apprenticeship. My father was a little surprised, but then realised that it was definitely a job with a future. I empty the various collection containers, sometimes with a forklift truck. I take metal objects apart in the workshop. In between, I have customer contact with people who come round to dispose of something.
Sometimes I can also join them on dismantling jobs. I like dismantling large objects. I enjoy all the work and I don't mind that it sometimes smells a bit. After my apprenticeship, I would like to learn how to drive an excavator and continue my training so that I can manage dismantling work. I'm already looking forward to being able to do even more than I'm allowed to as an apprentice."

Read more about choosing a career:

• Step 1: Get to know your own interests and strengths
  Before young people can decide what training they want to pursue after secondary school, they need to answer a few basic questions about themselves. Not an easy task in the middle of puberty, which is already full of questions.
• Step 2: Get to know professions and training programmes
  Into an apprenticeship or continue at school? Many people ask themselves this question in upper secondary school. But the two paths are not mutually exclusive. An overview of the most important educational programmes.
• Step 3: Compare your own strengths with the requirements of professions and training programmes
  Every apprenticeship and every school has its own specific requirements. For young job seekers, this means that they should either work intensively on their skills or look for a less demanding apprenticeship.
• Step 4: Get to know interesting professions in a taster apprenticeship
  A taster apprenticeship, also known as a career choice internship, gives you a first impression of working life, a profession and the atmosphere in a potential training company. It is something like the ultimate reality check for young apprenticeship seekers.
• Step 5: Review possible professions and training courses and make a decision
  Careers counsellor Sigrid Weber knows the agony of choosing a career that many young people go through. Favourite subjects and hobbies are the first pointers to the right apprenticeship, a lot can be learned in trial apprenticeships - and sometimes even a coin toss helps, says the psychologist. When making a decision, however, the feeling has to be right above all.
• Step 6: Look for an apprenticeship or register with a school
  Once you have chosen the right profession, it's time to look for a suitable training organisation. Large or small, informal or formal, hierarchical or collegial? The more different types you get to know through taster sessions, the better you will know what suits you.
• Step 7: Prepare for an apprenticeship or school or clarify bridging programmes
  The tenth school year is seen as an emergency solution for those who have not found an apprenticeship. In reality, it is a useful educational programme to close gaps in schooling and other gaps or to help you make a decision about your career choice. Other bridging programmes help to gain valuable knowledge and set the course.