Use new perspectives – retrain as a warehouse logistics specialist
Mr. Helmut Scharf is a participant in the current retraining as a warehouse logistics specialist with an IHK degree at the ISE Language and Vocational Training Center in Amberg. In this article, Mr. Scharf writes about his experiences at ISE and in class.
Did exactly the right thing with the education voucher
I had the unique opportunity to take part in the “warehouse logistics specialist” retraining course at the ISE Language and Vocational Training Center in Amberg (beginning in March 2009). I am convinced that I did exactly the right thing with the education voucher. Even months after redeeming the voucher at ISE, I feel very comfortable and am very satisfied with how the educational measure went. I see retraining in warehouse logistics as a very good opportunity to get a job again. I don't want to be influenced too much by the many negative news and the argument often made by employers that you are too old for a job and I don't want to be dissuaded from starting something new! After all, warehouse workers and warehouse specialists will continue to be needed in the future. Almost every company is faced with logistics, transport, goods handling or storage.
Always on the ball with ISE
For me, 45 years old, it is an enormous enrichment to get to know a wide range of knowledge from scratch, even after my nine years of professional experience in the warehouse sector and passing the ISO 9001 exam. It's good, of course, that I can also contribute intensively to the lessons based on my previous knowledge. I don't want to hide the fact that there is also a lot to learn. We write exams and tests at regular intervals. Some evenings it's better to turn off the flicker box (television) and study or "get busy". But as the old saying goes, “no pain, no gain,” you have to do something yourself. Of course, I very much hope that I can apply what I have learned later in my professional life and that the effort will pay off again.
A wide range of know-how in the warehouse and logistics area was already conveyed in the first theoretical section. It's amazing what you can learn in just a few months. Whether legal aspects of the purchase contract, work during storage or retrieval, material flow, order picking, specialist calculations or labor law are just a few points. As part of this qualification, I was even able to acquire a forklift driver's license and a load securing certificate. In addition, the managing director of ISE P. Blendowski gave me the opportunity to successfully complete the coveted additional training “Training of Instructors” (AdA certificate) with an IHK qualification. The management always has an open ear for us students.
The scope of the measure is really very wide-ranging, so there is always new, interesting content. We also receive training in the PC area. We have already completed the first module in Excel, and we will receive even more intensive training in Word and Lexware after the internship. We can also refresh or deepen our knowledge of English, which is quite important given globalization.
All lecturers involved in this retraining are excellently trained and design the lessons and practical teaching units very individually based on the group's previous knowledge. No question remains unanswered. Our instructor R. Kirschner is always very helpful, experienced, flexible and always has a good rapport with the participants. His patience and perseverance with the many questions and the wealth of material is very remarkable. The lessons are very well designed. Other lecturers who we were able to get to know during the retraining so far also conducted the lessons in a very appealing and interesting way. It is also noteworthy that the teachers do not do their job by the book, but rather work intensively to “get the subject matter across” well. Despite all of this, the fun isn't neglected! Over time, good friendships also developed.
It's also great that they help us create professional application documents. Not to be forgotten is the ISE's internal employment agent H. Albrecht. He helps with finding internships. His good contacts with the companies will certainly help us in our later job search.
Next up is our first internship. I'm really excited about what's to come. With the two internship periods planned, I really hope to make a good impression on potential employers and perhaps get the “ticket” to a permanent position. Of course, we will now also be able to expand and consolidate our theoretical knowledge in practice - “learning by doing”, as the saying goes...
After the internship, you then move on in big steps towards the IHK final examination. The hot phase of learning will then begin. We will be all the happier when we have the coveted degree in our pockets.
I can recommend this retraining course and the entire ISE team to everyone with a clear conscience.
Helmut Scharf
Participants of the warehouse logistics training