Photo: @private Roman Loose successfully completed his apprenticeship as an office management assistant at Wilhelm Brandenburg from August 2022 to June 2025. Since then, he has been working as a Junior Controller at his training company and is grateful for the opportunity he was given.

"I decided to do my apprenticeship at Wilhelm Brandenburg because I saw it as an advantage to learn at a REWE Group subsidiary. The company seemed crisis-proof to me and, in my opinion, offered good opportunities for personal and professional development. I was particularly pleased with the appreciation I experienced: My colleagues were proud of my achievements and regularly recognised and praised me.

During my apprenticeship, there were several challenges that I successfully overcame. These experiences boosted my self-confidence and prepared me perfectly for my current role.

A particular highlight for me was the Trainee Day 2024. Bowling together with the other trainees not only gave me a lot of pleasure, but also strengthened our team spirit."

Photo:@privat Dilara Erbe started working part-time at the REWE To Go store in Hagen in 2018. Shortly afterwards, she decided to train as a retail saleswoman, which she successfully completed, and then deepened her expertise with a retail management qualification. Today, she supports the team in Wuppertal as an assistant store manager.

"Training at the REWE Group is accompanied and supported comprehensively. Internal seminars gave me good preparation for my work on the shop floor, but also for my exams. I particularly liked the fact that the training was varied and gave me an insight into many different areas of responsibility.

Thanks to my experience from my previous part-time job, I was able to take on my first simple shifts early on in my training - with constant support in the background. This experience really helped me to work independently quickly and prepared me for my later responsibility as a permanent shift supervisor.

I always got on well with my trainer. She was always there to help and advise me, taught me a lot and always encouraged me to act independently. As a result, I learnt to work independently and confidently. I already knew my colleagues before I started my apprenticeship. They were happy for me to start my apprenticeship and always supported me when I had questions.

I would advise future trainees to stay on the ball even when faced with challenges. Commitment and good performance are highly valued at REWE Group and at the Lekkerland convenience division. If you are motivated and want to get involved, you will have the chance to develop and advance professionally."

Photo: ©picture people Gioia Noemi Romano trained as a property management assistant at toom and has been working as an energy and environmental management clerk at the DIY store chain since July 2025.

"Especially at the beginning of my apprenticeship, I had a lot of inhibitions about talking to people on the phone who I didn't know or who came from another company. I was most worried about whether I came across as 'professional' enough. Fortunately, this insecurity has now disappeared. I have learnt that there are only people at the other end of the line.

I've always got on well with my trainers. Especially when I needed help or had questions, I knew that I could always approach them. My colleagues were also a great support in this respect: whether it was about processes or school material, I could turn to them at any time.

There was also the opportunity to take part in training courses. Another highlight was taking part in a trainee project organised by the Cologne Chamber of Industry and Commerce. I would advise future trainees not to be afraid to ask questions. Because only those who ask questions can really learn and grow personally."