“It’s great that apprentices can work from home”

How did you come to do your apprenticeship at Mobility?

I live nearby and kept walking past the building. Mobility couldn’t get out of my head. What Mobility does on a day-to-day basis makes sense, and that was a criterion when looking for an apprenticeship.

Do you remember what it was like when you were inside the building for the first time?

I remember well. I was thrilled when the lift door opened. The furnishings and colours create a nice atmosphere – definitely a plus.

Can you describe the corporate culture?

It doesn’t feel like I have to go to work. The atmosphere is relaxed, the interaction is respectful and friendly. In short: I feel comfortable. I can walk around the office and talk to everyone. What I particularly appreciate is that everyone is on a first-name basis. I know from my colleagues at vocational college that a company-wide first-name approach is not a matter of course.

What distinguishes a commercial apprenticeship at Mobility?

On the one hand, I find the framework conditions excellent, and on the other hand, the diversity of the training is in my interests. By general conditions, I mean flexwork and working from home. Of course, there are attendance times or – depending on the department – a shift schedule. But at Mobility, apprentices are also allowed to work from home in consultation and in compliance with the rules. You can organise your time according to the department and in consultation with your practical trainers. Here, too, I know from others that this is anything but a matter of course among apprentices. Mobility places my trust in me, which is an additional source of motivation.

And what do you mean by versatility?

That the apprentices are deployed in various departments (marketing, accounting, customer service, human resources, etc.). There is no boredom and you gain insights into different professions. This makes it easier to assess where you see yourself in the future at the end of your apprenticeship. If I had spent three years in the same department, I might have been bored. (laughs)

How important is the opportunity to work from home for young people?

Definitely very important. This is particularly well received by younger people.

What else is going on well?

For example, Mobility employees have time off on their birthdays!

You completed your apprenticeship in summer 2024. What’s your conclusion?

My apprenticeship was great. My vocational trainers were there for me and I always knew where I stood. It couldn’t have gone much better.

And what can Mobility do better?

I would have liked to see a more open and courageous feedback culture, both positive and negative. By everyone and not just my vocational trainers. Sometimes I found out late whether I did something good or bad. Who knows, I might have done a better job if this had been assessed earlier.

At Mobility, apprentices share responsibility for the TikTok channel. Does it make sense for companies to rely on the know-how of young people in the field of social media?

Depending on what kind of company. Mobility’s theme fits in perfectly, and cars are popular with younger people.

You’ve learned to drive with Mobility. How did this come about?

Cars have always fascinated me, so I immediately started studying at the age of 18. I wanted to take the exam with an automatic machine. Since my parents own a hand-shifted car, I had to look for an alternative. Then I always reserved a Mobility car for myself.

Were there any negative reactions from other road users?

Oh yes! Sometimes the others felt like they were driving an inch behind me. I often felt as if everyone else thought I couldn’t drive just because I was in a Mobility car. (laughs)

As a Mobility employee, you benefit from preferential terms. Did you make use of it?

Yes! Looking at my bank account, I seem to have used Mobility too much. No, seriously: There are more advantages than disadvantages to learning with Mobility than Mobility employees. So I was able to save money.

First name: Elena
Activity: Service Centre Clerk (from September 2024), previously Apprentice Commercial Clerk
with Mobility since: August 2021