This year, new apprentices are taking their first steps into professional life at the Böker factory in Solingen. We are currently training a total of 12 apprentices in the following professions: Metalworking Specialist (specializing in machining and assembly technology), Machine and Plant Operator, Industrial Clerk, Marketing Communications Specialist, IT Specialist (specializing in system integration), and Warehouse Specialist. This time, we followed Nassim (21) and Eric (17) as they embarked on their exciting apprenticeships. If you are also looking for an apprenticeship and would like to become part of our apprentice team, we look forward to receiving your application!
Why did you choose this training program?
Nassim: As an industrial clerk, you have the advantage of getting to know many different departments during your apprenticeship and working in each for about 12 weeks (depending on the department). Since I wasn't sure which field I wanted to do an apprenticeship in after graduating from high school, I chose industrial clerk. This way, after completing my apprenticeship, I can answer the question for myself which department and which tasks suit me best and in which department I would like to work long-term.
Eric: I've always been interested in knives. Since my uncle also worked for a well-known company in the cutlery industry, it was a natural step to turn my hobby into a profession. I've always been good with my hands, so the apprenticeship as a metalworking specialist, specializing in assembly technology, immediately appealed to me.
Why did you choose Böker?
Nassim: Before I started my apprenticeship, I wasn't very familiar with Böker. But it was important to me to work for a company that manufactures a finished product. At Böker, you can follow the high level of vertical integration in detail, from the first to the last production step of a knife. Furthermore, there are many opportunities to work in different departments after your apprenticeship. Böker not only offers permanent employment to a large number of its apprentices after they complete their training, but also provides further training opportunities.
Eric: As a knife enthusiast, Böker was of course a familiar name to me, and I couldn't really compare it to other employers. Böker has a very long history and is a true Solingen institution in the knife industry. The fact that this traditional company produces not only classic but also modern knives simply won me over.
What are your tasks?
Nassim: I'm currently working in the production planning department and expect to stay there until the end of my apprenticeship. Our work there focuses primarily on control processes in manufacturing. We plan and create production orders. This includes creating and revising bills of materials and work sequences. To create a production order, all production-relevant parts and components must be available in sufficient quantities in the parts warehouse. Since we produce the individual parts ourselves, such as blades, bowls, circuit boards, jaws, back springs, etc., good planning is extremely important to avoid supply bottlenecks for the final product. We purchase screws and small parts from external suppliers, so communicating with them is also part of our job. The tasks in this department are very varied.
Eric: My main tasks are drilling, countersinking, reaming, pinning, and blade assembly. A particular challenge is that each of these steps requires the utmost concentration. Any deviation, any inaccuracy affects the next step. Therefore, my standards for myself are very high.
What do you enjoy most?
Nassim: I personally enjoyed working with my colleagues and going on excursions and events with the trainees; they were always very entertaining. We trainees also organize the company parties together (e.g., the Christmas party), which is always a welcome change of pace.
Eric: What I enjoy most is the assembly (the mounting or putting together of the knife). Here you're even closer to the finished product than when working on individual components. Learning the art of knifemaking from experienced colleagues and getting firsthand tips and tricks is always something special for me.
What do you like best about our products?
Nassim: The diversity of our product range. Even if you have little interest in knives, you'd find the right one for you in our selection. I particularly like the design of our more modern pocket knives, like the Böker TRPPR.
Eric: I particularly like the high proportion of handcraftsmanship. The products don't just roll off a machine ready-made, but go through an incredible number of individual steps. Quality is absolutely paramount here – without it, nothing works.
What are your future prospects in this profession?
Nassim: My goal is to stay on at Böker in production planning after my apprenticeship. Although I'm only in my second year, I've already received a job offer, which I'm happy to accept. After my apprenticeship, I'd like to pursue further education, for example, by starting a part-time degree in business administration.
Eric: At Böker, you can pursue extensive further training and learn other professions, such as electrician, toolmaker, and others. This opens many doors for me. I would also like to stay with Böker after my apprenticeship. I would be very interested in working as a reider in the reidering department or in the etching department.
Do you sometimes get fed up with knives?
Nassim: No, not really. At the beginning of my apprenticeship, I wasn't that interested in knives. Now I've developed a strong passion for them, and my interest continues to grow.
Eric: No, the variety of knives amazes me every time, so I don't get bored anytime soon.
How do you like to spend your free time? Do you both enjoy playing football?
Nassim: Correct. I played as a number 10 for a club for a long time. Unfortunately, I was sidelined with a knee injury for a while recently, but now I'm back playing twice a week with friends in an indoor soccer facility and I also organize smaller tournaments. In addition, I regularly go to the gym and box. Otherwise, I spend my free time with family and friends.
Eric: I currently play as a defender for BVG Gräfrath in the Bergische Liga. Otherwise, the usual: meeting friends, going to the movies, listening to music.
Do you have any final words you'd like to address to potential future trainees?
Nassim: I was always told back then that with a university entrance qualification, you should go to university. I'm glad I decided to do an apprenticeship anyway, because the practical experience helped me enormously. Besides, I can always study part-time after my apprenticeship.
Eric: If you're interested in or even fascinated by knives, then I'd recommend Böker, as you learn a lot about their history and the diversity of knives. Department heads and colleagues are very friendly and helpful. Generally, the hierarchies are flat and there's a high level of appreciation for good work.
More information about Böker as an employer can be found at: https://boker.info/karriere/arbeiten-beiboeker/