Do you remember your first day of work? What expectations did you have, what did you hope for? Did you have any idea what was coming? And were you right?

Each year, young people come to FAIRNET to take the first steps of their professional development. They do not just want to look over our shoulders beyond the theory taught at higher and vocational schools, they do not just want to listen quietly and imitate it as closely as possible. No, they don't make it that easy for us. They want to independently acquire practical knowledge, assume responsibility, and actively participate. They want to be taken seriously as personalities and individuals, test their limits and prove themselves. And again and again, they question what already exists - which means that they always present us with new challenges.

In addition to our daily tasks, we have to engage with this curiosity, listen to it, respond to it and be ready for discussions. We must be prepared to question our own standards and remain open to new, even unusual ideas. Our junior staff are not just blank slates that we can fill to our liking. Our working world is constantly changing and creating new challenges their young, open-minded views always gives us the opportunity to take on new tasks and grow together.

But how do you prepare young people for a work environment that changes every day? Every development needs security and support. As a company and as a team, we are called upon to recognise the strengths, talents and potential - and of course the weaknesses - of our trainees and students. Accordingly, we challenge and support them, formulate our requirements, set the framework and give them their space.

They can expect us to allow them to make mistakes and know they have someone that will address their questions and concerns. More than just technical competence, this creates self-confidence and trust in oneself - the best basis for every challenge.

Photo credits
Martin Neuhof