AzubiCoach project: FAU students coach trainees

Support for trainees during the first year of their apprenticeship? That is the idea behind the project “AzubiCoaching”. For six months, economics students coach trainees and help them make the most of their apprenticeship. Two of those involved in the project are student Selin and dialog marketing trainee Rimedina, who are working together as one of the tandems.

An interview with student Selin and trainee Rimedina.

In an nutshell: What is the AzubiCoaching project all about?

Selin: The main objective is to help trainees complete their apprenticeship successfully, especially during the challenging early stages. As a coach, I am on hand to provide my tandem partner with tailored support. Depending on individual needs, we either focus on subject-related topics or personal skills such as communication and organization. There are also workshops on topics such as presentation techniques.

Did you both realize straightaway that you wanted to be paired up with each other?

Rimedina: There was a first meeting where we all met each other. After that, the trainees were able to name their favorites, it was a little like speed dating. I immediately clicked with Selin, and we get on really well!

How did you find out about the AzubiCoaching program?

Selin: The project can be accredited as an elective subject for students of business education. My lecturer, André Hertle, recommended that I take part.

Rimedina: My instructor recommended the coaching to me. After six years of working, I was a little nervous about going back to school. The project really helped me find my feet.

How have you benefited from the project?

Rimedina: It’s been a great help. For example, I used to get really nervous before important appointments. Selin suggested that I should write my thoughts down beforehand – that really helped. My instructor even said that I appeared self-confident. I have also worked on my team skills. During conversations, I tend to reply with “but”. Selin showed me a little game where I can say “yes, and” instead.

Selin: The project is very beneficial for us students as well: we gain genuine practical experience of coaching, reflect on our own actions, and get an idea of what working in education is really like from an early stage. We also have the support of a coach.

Where do you meet?

Rimedina: That’s up to the tandems themselves. Some like to meet up at the trainees’ place of work, but I prefer to meet somewhere else. I feel I can then be more open. We are making the most of our meetings to work our way through the various cafés in Nuremberg.

The project is soon coming to an end for you both. Is that the same for your coffee dates?

Rimedina: We have already talked about it and we definitely will continue to meet up even after the project has ended. Maybe not just in cafés.

The next round of the project is due to start shortly. What would you recommend to anyone who is thinking about getting involved?

Selin: Anyone who is thinking about working in coaching or education should definitely try it out. It is a great opportunity to take on responsibility, develop coaching skills and appreciate how much you can give to other people.

Rimedina: I would recommend all trainees to make the most of the opportunity. The project is often recommended if things are not going so smoothly. But it is not anything negative. Quite the contrary: it is a great opportunity to gain new skills, in a safe space with a person who is there just for you.