"One purchase in our workwearstore® changed everything when somebody spoke to me about an apprenticeship at Strauss. The store, the atmosphere, the friendly employee – I was really impressed. After this, everything went really quickly: the application process was short - I finished school, then started a two-and-a-half-year long apprenticeship. During my tour of the company, I quickly realised I wanted to work in the textile personalisation department. My motivation: to impress our customers as much as I was impressed in the store.

On completion of my apprenticeship, I trained to be a trainer and assumed responsibility for the apprentices in our department. I also have the opportunity to participate in our junior executive program and support our team managers. Anything is possible, if you want it enough!"

After I had completed my apprenticeship as a retail management assistant, I then took a bachelor degree in professional trade and commerce, which gave me the opportunity to assume responsibility for the checkout area in the workwearstore®. I wanted to take further qualifications in the staff development field. Strauss gave me the opportunity to undergo coaching and, later, to complete a course qualifying me as a trainer. My job is varied and fascinating. I love switching between travelling, designing workshops, giving feedback, advising customers and helping staff develop their potential and strengths. I conduct sales coaching sessions in all workwearstores in Germany and organise workshops, as well as being the contact person and interface to other departments, be it the checkout, service or shop preparation teams. To keep track of sales, I sometimes work in the store on Saturdays, which allows me to continue developing the workshops. At the same time, I am also responsible for pop-up stores. I usually manage the checkout areas of these projects, where I instruct internal and external colleagues about the checkouts and the products, and I am the main contact person on site. It’s just a great and varied job!"

"I started an apprenticeship as an office clerk at engelbert strauss 33 years ago. Back then, Strauss was just a small family company in Biebergemünd-Kassel and my personnel number was 11. My training was very personal because, at the time, I was the only apprentice. Even then, respect and an honest approach were top priorities. After I had finished my apprenticeship, my job was to maintain contact with customers in person and by telephone. It is amazing to see how the company has grown. After I took maternity leave, e.s. allowed me to return on a part-time basis. Since then I have worked in sales, and I love it. After all these years, I still love my job. And it rubbed off on my daughter - she started a dual study program at engelbert strauss last year. I would do it all again at Strauss. Having seen the great opportunities open to apprentices today, I would do another apprenticeship, if I could."

"After I dropped out of my A-level course, I started working at engelbert strauss as a temp in October 2012. Originally, I only intended to help out and earn some money, but it quickly turned into 3 years. In 2015 the company asked me if I would like to start an apprenticeship as a warehouse logistics specialist. I was thrilled and agreed immediately. Despite mediocre school grades, I started my apprenticeship in August 2015 and experienced many unforgettable moments. My highlights: a 4-week stay in Northern Ireland, great trainee events and the 3rd year of my apprenticeship when I finally qualified as a warehouse logistics specialist. Immediately after I had qualified, the company asked me whether I could envisage being responsible for staff. During my in-house training as a team lead, I was able to participate in workshops and had a lot of time to develop personally. I have been the deputy team lead in the warehouse and also the training officer (Abba) in the logistics department for the past two years. I would like to thank the Strauss family for placing their trust in me and giving me this opportunity."

"During my apprenticeship, I had a lot of opportunities that went way beyond what I had expected. I was allowed to work and learn about all sub-areas of the Strauss IT system, from the First-Level Support through to network administration. Other highlights during my training included an overseas stay in Dublin, planning and organising holiday games with other trainees, working in a pop-up store and lots more."

"I completed my two-year training course as a management assistant for wholesale and foreign trade in 2017, during which I spent time in the HR, sales and marketing departments working on interesting tasks, before taking up a position in "Konzeptdesign"(concept design) where I was quickly given responsibility. My first own project was to plan trade fairs, including manpower and the logistics, and to develop concepts for new trade fair projects – an unbelievably exciting field that I loved from day one!

Two years ago we started our pop-up store concept, first in Germany, then in Austria and Switzerland, and just recently in The Netherlands. I got to travel extensively even during my apprenticeship; for example, I spent four weeks in Northern Ireland where I worked in an online pharmacy and lived with a host family. I have travelled a lot and experienced many things. The thing I love about my job the most is that we always work together and find solutions as a team, and until now we have always opened our doors for our fans and customers on time! Those are the best moments!"