Ines Thorn, a trained retail saleswoman, has been the store manager at PENNY Kirrlach for twelve years, taking care of "everything that comes up".

one: Mrs Thorn, how do you rate the training at the PENNY store?

I think our training is really high quality. The trainees have access to lots of seminars and informative learning content, for example via e-learning. The support is well organised. In the store, we make sure that the tasks are adapted to the level of training. We support the trainees in word and deed and there is always a suitable contact person for questions - whether from the HR department, the store or district management. The trainees also take on responsibility, which I think is very important.

one: As a store manager and therefore a line manager, how do you specifically support your apprentices?

I try to answer all of the trainees' questions - and if I don't know something myself, I look for the right answer. I also support them with private problems if they want me to. It's important to me that I treat them like normal employees, not 'just trainees'. We work as equals. I pass on my knowledge as best I can and praise them when they have done something well.

one: How does training today differ from your own?

Back then, there was a lot of theory and training, but in everyday life you were left to your own devices. Today it's different: it's not just about knowledge, but also about things like politeness, decency and personal hygiene. Today, the trainees' opinions count more. They don't do 'unimportant' tasks, but are fully-fledged team members.

one: What do you enjoy most about training apprentices?

Seeing them become more and more independent. It's great to see how they grow with their tasks, how their self-confidence increases, how they develop leadership skills and learn how to deal with conflicts.

Henry Stanglcompleted his apprenticeship as a retail salesman at PENNY after graduating from high school. He is currently doing a dual study programme in the sales department.

"I actually just wanted to do a job alongside my A-levels, and as PENNY was my place to shop anyway, I applied for a mini-job there - and then as an apprentice straight after my A-levels. During my apprenticeship, I decided to shorten it. Thanks to the support of my senior managers, I was able to master this challenge. I had a trusting relationship with them right from the start, they always stood by me and also encouraged me more than they should have in terms of the dual study programme.

The apprenticeship was very instructive for me - both professionally and personally. I particularly liked the strong team spirit and the opportunity to always have someone to talk to. I also loved the many opportunities that PENNY offers us trainees: I took part in many great events during my training, such as the #teampenny future workshop, the REWE Group Star, the team camp and the Parookaville Festival. The latter was my absolute highlight!

I can only recommend this to all current and future trainees: Take part in all events and get actively involved in the company. That's what the company thrives on and that's how it grows."

Franziska John began her PENNY career in a store, first as a temporary employee during coronavirus, then as a working student for two years. She completed a two-year apprenticeship as an office management assistant in the national PENNY HR team and has been working as an HR expert for training and development in the West region for around a year.

"During my time as a working student, I thought PENNY was a really cool employer, you could feel the special team spirit everywhere. I then looked internally to see what opportunities were available after my studies. The advert for the apprenticeship in the national HR team really appealed to me, I applied and everything happened very quickly.

I had block teaching at the vocational school, so I was always completely absent from work for three months, and as I was sometimes involved in long-term projects, good coordination was very important. Very good coordination is also incredibly important in my current team, as I work with two colleagues to supervise the trainees and another colleague to supervise an area of further training. We therefore always keep each other up to date.

I believe that appreciation is really important at PENNY and also at REWE Group, and I try to pass this on in my seminars for senior managers. With us, everyone is accepted for who they are and can contribute their individual strengths."