After three serious operations due to a brain tumour, Julia Nowak was unable to find an apprenticeship. REWE offered her the opportunity she had longed for.
At first glance, Julia Nowak is a trainee like any other. She has been employed at the REWE supermarket in Eilpe for seven months. She carefully puts away fruit and vegetables, but also works in other departments: "I'm responsible for the jam aisle!" says the 21-year-old with a laugh. She enjoys her apprenticeship, is motivated and eager to learn. Nevertheless, her fate sets her apart from other trainees - Julia Nowak was diagnosed with a brain tumour in 2012.
Marc Martini and Julia Nowak
Difficult times
Her life changed abruptly when she was diagnosed. Three operations followed. "That was a terrible time," says Julia Nowak. She still has some limitations today. The severe headaches are gone, but she still has a limp in one leg, she says. As she also has cognitive impairments, she has a disability card. "But I feel fit. And I understand everything!" emphasises Julia Nowak.
Opportunity at REWE
The dedicated trainee is delighted that she got a chance at REWE. After all, she received no response to the countless applications she wrote. Julia Nowak only moved to Hagen with her boyfriend during the coronavirus crisis - also in the hope of finally finding a job. She turned to the employment agency, not wanting to sit idly by. Her contact at the employment agency, Susanna Ebbing, places people with disabilities with companies and advises interested employers. "People with disabilities can also do very good and reliable work. Employers just have to have the courage," says the experienced mediator. She made contact with the REWE supermarket in Eilpe. Store manager Marc Martini remembers: "Julia first did an internship here and we were impressed by her manner and her work." It was a dream come true for Julia Nowak: "I always wanted to be a shop assistant!" the young woman beams.
Implementing equal opportunities
Maximilian Behr
Maximilian Behr from Human Resources Development at REWE Dortmund also emphasises that everyone is welcome at REWE: "We want to open the door to everyone who is interested in training with us." There are further career opportunities for Julia Nowak. "After two years, she could add a third year to train as a retail sales assistant. Incidentally, she is undergoing the same training that everyone here undergoes," says Maximilian Baehr.
Bianca van Wijnen
Bianca van Wijnen, Head of Health and Innovation, is also committed to people with disabilities: "Diversity is a way of life in all business areas at REWE Group. The inclusion of people with physical or mental disabilities is particularly important to me. All employees should have the same opportunities - that's what I'm committed to as Inclusion Officer."
