From vocational baccalaureate to practice: Leon's conscious step towards training and what motivated him to advise other students on their path as an apprentice ambassador.
Finished school - and then what? This question occupies countless pupils every year. The options are many and varied: university, vocational training, a stay abroad or just getting your bearings first? The answer is not easy for many - Leon was also faced with this decision at the time. Today, he is a successful IT systems administrator and apprentice ambassador at Serviceware. But his path was not clear from the start. After leaving school, he was unsure which career path would suit him. Through internships, interviews and finally joining Serviceware, he found his place in the IT world. Today, he looks back with satisfaction and wants to encourage others: An apprenticeship is not a "plan B", but a strong start to a career. As an apprentice ambassador, he provides authentic insights and shows how diverse and future-proof an apprenticeship can be.
Leon already had his vocational baccalaureate in his pocket when he was faced with the decision: study or apprenticeship? "I looked at both options at the time. Sure, studying sounded exciting, but it was just too theoretical for me personally. I wanted to work, gain experience, take on responsibility. Simply know how real working life works."
This desire for practical relevance and real everyday working life led him to a dual apprenticeship, not just any apprenticeship, but one with prospects: IT systems management assistant at Serviceware. The job sounded like just the right mix for Leon: "I've always been interested in commercial topics, but I didn't want a traditional office job, as I've always had an affinity for technology. I then found out which professions combine both worlds and came across IT systems management assistant."
During his apprenticeship, Leon got to know both the commercial and technical sides of the IT industry: from customer support and preparing quotations to IT system consulting. "You are a real all-rounder, work with many other departments, have customer contact and are challenged, but also encouraged."
In the three years of his apprenticeship at Serviceware, Leon has experienced a lot, especially team spirit and cohesion. "The company events are a real highlight for me, for example the Communication Weekend, where the whole company comes together. You meet colleagues from all over Europe with whom you would otherwise only work virtually. It's nice to see these people in person, exchange ideas and experience something together."
After successfully completing his training, Leon was taken on. Today, he continues to work in the same team and takes on tasks that he was already familiar with as an apprentice. "That was the cool thing about the apprenticeship: You were right in the thick of things and not just there to watch. I now have the same responsibilities as back then, only with more experience."
But standing still is not an option for him: his next goal is to gain a degree in business administration. "This qualification is equivalent to a Bachelor's degree, and Serviceware is helping me to achieve this goal. I think it's great that further and advanced training is really encouraged here."
In addition to his job, Leon has been an apprentice ambassador for over two years. How did that come about?
Serviceware asked if anyone would like to take on this role. I was in straight away! I just like speaking in front of people and sharing my experiences."
It all started with a training course at the IHK Wiesbaden, where the future ambassadors learned how to appear in front of groups and what is important when talking to students. "It's important to me to show that studying isn't the only way and that everything doesn't always have to be straightforward. I took a few detours myself: I dropped out of an apprenticeship, then did a vocational baccalaureate, but I still got here today. I want to pass that on."
Today, Leon regularly visits schools to talk about training opportunities at Serviceware and his own personal career.
"It's a funny feeling to be back in a classroom. Especially when I speak in front of technical college students, because I used to be there myself. I can really put myself in their shoes."
For Leon, the exchange is the best thing about his role as an ambassador: "Many students don't really have an overview of apprenticeships or believe that you can't have a career without studying. I show them that this isn't true and that an apprenticeship can be the perfect start." During the school visits, Leon is repeatedly confronted with similar questions, with salary at the top of the list.
"Sure, everyone is interested in that. But topics such as working from home, career opportunities, further training or even company cars also come up. I then explain what is possible and how you can develop."
He also dispels clichés: "Many people think that as an IT specialist, you sit in front of a PC all day and program. But programming is only a very small part of it. Communication, organization and business thinking are much more important."
He answers spontaneously with three words: "Familiar. Fun. Business."
A mixture that has not only convinced Leon, but soon the next generation of trainees too!