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For Nicole Hirsch, the part-time training has opened up new career opportunities. (Photo: © Private)

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Part-time training: Mother of three takes off

women in crafts - Theme specials

January 2023

The Schäfermeier butcher shop in Lippstadt offers its trainees completely new career prospects.

This article is part of the special topic women in crafts

Almost three years ago, Nicole Hirsch shared a Facebook message that would change her life. The 30-year-old is a mother of three children, ages 11, 10, and 3. After the birth of her youngest child, Nicole decided to finally start an apprenticeship after years of working in retail without any training. It was through Facebook that she finally made contact with her current apprenticeship company, the Schäfermeier butcher shop in Lippstadt.

"I always wanted to do an apprenticeship in retail," Nicole explains. The mother of three knew that only part-time training would be an option. With three children, everyday life is hectic, and there's often little time. "Of course, the company has to know what they're getting into," she emphasizes. At the time, the young mother was actively searching for a suitable apprenticeship on Facebook and shared a post about it. An employee at the Schäfermeier butcher shop noticed it and forwarded her the contact details of HR manager Waldemar Schneider. Shortly thereafter, she was offered the great opportunity to begin an apprenticeship there. The 30-year-old is now about to take her final exam to become a butcher's sales assistant.

"I am really satisfied with the training"

Schneider has no prejudices against the part-time training model – quite the opposite. The butcher's shop has already had positive experiences with part-time apprentices. "It was often the case that the apprentices were much more ambitious and motivated," explains the HR manager. "But it also depends a lot on the apprentices' partners. They have to be willing to support them, of course, because they also need time to study and prepare for the exams." Hirsch is a very good student. She attends vocational school in Paderborn once or twice a week. For the inter-company training, she went to Münster for a few weeks. She was able to rely completely on her partner to look after the children during this time.

"I'm really happy with the training. The employees are always willing to listen to questions, and I was often able to look over their shoulders. In the production facility, I even got to help butcher an animal myself, which was really exciting," reports Nicole. "Among other things, I learned how to cut meat properly and how to plan a large buffet. I enjoy interacting with customers at the sales counter the most, especially when I get good feedback from them." "The social aspect of the part-time training is important to us. It's great to give someone an apprenticeship and thus better opportunities on the job market," Schneider replies when asked why the company offers part-time training. Nicole is happy about this great opportunity and the understanding of the skilled trades business. Her hard work has paid off: After completing her training, she will be hired by the company and even appointed as deputy branch manager. This is an important career step for the young mother.