Since September 1, fourteen new colleagues have been supporting us at the GFZ. Four young people will be completing a one-year volunteer service in the student lab, in public relations, or in a scientific department—all as part of the Voluntary Social Year in Science, Technology, and Sustainability (FJN). Nine more young people have begun their three-year apprenticeships in various departments at the GFZ. Not least among them is a future IT specialist who is completing the practical portion of his dual degree program at the GFZ.

Hannah Bauer, FJN volunteer in the Communications & Media team, reports on the first few days: “At Telegrafenberg, we ‘newcomers’ were welcomed by the Youth and Education Representative Comittee (JAV) and the apprentice supervisor, Anna-Lena Heilmann – and then presented with a whole lot of information.  In a series of presentations on the very first day, we learned everything we needed to know to get off to a good start at the GFZ. While the GFZ’s organizational chart initially caused some confusion for everyone, the safety training was actually quite clear: An office chair is no substitute for a ladder! We were also duly warned about laser radiation, acids, and high-voltage current. On the afternoon of the first day, we were given a brief overview of the research being conducted at the GFZ. This also gave us a better understanding of the Helmholtz Center’s values and goals, which will guide our work in the future. 

The next day was the apprentice outing: The JAV organized a group trip to Berlin for our group. We got to know each other better (or competed ruthlessly for points) while playing black-light mini-golf, and the scoop of ice cream at the end provided the much-needed pick-me-up as we prepared to enter the workforce. Of course, we couldn’t miss out on a visit to the Brandenburg Gate.” Then most got right to work. “I was amazed at how large the Niemegk site is, with all the buildings, measurement facilities, and control stations,” says Fritz Willi Krause, an apprentice in the Geomagnetism Section, describing his first day on the job at the Niemegk satellite site. Right at the start of his apprenticeship in the electronics lab, he was able to build his own prototype for the ventilation control system at his workstation. Everyone is anticpating what lies ahead of them at the GFZ, including Vitalii Shekotsov. He shares his thoughts on his successful start: “What surprised me most was how friendly and helpful my coworkers were.”

The GFZ warmly welcomes all new colleagues! If you’d like to learn more about vocational training at the GFZ or are looking for information about the FJN, you can find it at the following links:

• Vocational Training and Dual Study Programs at the GFZ
• Internships at the GFZ
• Voluntary Social Year in Science, Technology and Sustainability