Any Questions? Support for Apprentices

Torsten Böttjer is responsible for taxes and customs at WESER-PETROL. In the interview, he talks about his commitment to vocational training – and why he doesn’t believe in ‘cramming’.

In his main job, Torsten Böttjer handles energy tax processes. He also takes care of apprentices in the DS Group in wholesale and foreign trade when it comes to preparing for the oral exam. In a relaxed atmosphere, he explains everything about mineral oil to them. And he explains and explains and explains and explains. Until all questions are really clarified.

The companies of the DS Group currently have around 30 apprentices. The dual training with its alternation between practical work in the company and theory at vocational school brings many advantages. However, some questions remain unanswered. Time to ask Torsten Böttjer, who has been supporting apprentices of the DS Group with advice and assistance for many years.

Mr. BöTtjer, how Did You Become Involved in Company Training?

At the beginning of my professional life many years ago, I was very fortunate to meet two colleagues in the DS Group who shared a lot of their knowledge about mineral oil with me. I still benefit from that today.

Many people prefer to keep their knowledge to themselves. Although I came here from the oil sector, these two colleagues showed me that I still had a lot to learn about mineral oil. I was pleased that they were willing to pass on their knowledge. I was also fascinated by the way they shared their knowledge. I benefited greatly from it and then at some point I said: ‘I would like to give this back now.’

In preparation for the oral exam, it became clear to me which topics I had not yet understood. Just in time to clarify questions.

How Do You Specifically Implement Support for Apprentices?

For the oral exam, I give the apprentices the finishing touches – three to five months before they go into this exam.

We then go through all the topic complexes again: origin of crude oil, discovery, extraction, transport, further processing, refineries, OPEC, fracking. We also discuss basics such as: What is actually the difference between heating oil and diesel? Because there can certainly be questions about this in the oral exam.

When it comes to the topic of quality differences in heating oil, we talk about calorific value, flame value or cold point. We go through the topics until the apprentices know in their sleep what happens in the tube furnace of a refinery.

What Do Apprentices Say when They Have another Training Session in Addition to Vocational School?

It’s not about additional lessons at all. It’s more of a casual conversation. Apprentices should primarily be able to ask their questions.

I have developed my own style – there’s no cramming with me, we rather talk about many things in a sensible, relaxed setting. The apprentices should have fun and look forward to the 1 ½ hours.
I make sure that the apprentices don’t come to me directly after vocational school. Because then they’ve already had six hours of lessons in the morning. That’s why I don’t give lectures, but we talk in dialogue with each other.

It’s different whether you read a textbook or talk to someone who has known the subject from practice for years.

What Steps Have You Taken to get Involved in Training?

I went to our HR department and together with the HR manager, we looked for ways to support our apprentices even better.
The apprentices go through all areas of the company during their entire training period. We then developed our own training plans for our company.

The Dual System Has Proven Itself – What is Missing in Company Training?

Trainees receive a solid foundation for their career path through the dual training system. However, for the professional qualification, it is also important to prepare specifically for the exam both in writing and orally. For example, how trainees can best answer questions in the oral exam is not directly learned in the specialist departments. Over the years, I have therefore delved deeper into the requirements of oral exams.

I am pleased when the trainees leave the training and say: “That has taken away part of my exam anxiety again.”

Torsten Böttjer

Are these Regular Appointments for the Trainees of the DS Group?

No, they are rather irregular events. First, I look at when the next trainee has their oral exam. Then it depends on whether the trainees come from the mineral oil sector of DS or from DS card + drive. Depending on the area, they cover different aspects in their training. Then we discuss topics like hedging or foreign currency surcharge.

I believe: You can only answer questions foolishly. If someone doesn’t understand something, I encourage them: “Ask your questions. If you don’t understand it, ask the question a second or third time.” From the questions, I can see what they haven’t understood or how they have understood something. If trainees, for example, ask a cumbersome question, that’s the moment I wonder if I should change my explanations on this topic. Did I perhaps explain too complicatedly? I recognize all this from the questions of the trainees.

What Do your Colleagues Say when the Trainee is not at the Workplace During Training?

I am there for everyone – and colleagues know that too. If a trainee comes into my office with the words: “I have a question,” then I always make time for it. And the crazier the question, the longer. Because then I ask myself: “How did they come to ask me such a question? Did they completely misunderstand something in their department?” I take the time because it is important to me that he or she understands the subject matter.

Do other Employees in the DS Group Support You in this Work?

Of course, all departments of the company pass on their knowledge to the trainees. I am in close exchange with two other colleagues. One of them often takes over the training around the topic of the stock market, and another from the pellets specialist department imparts his knowledge in this area. Because in the oral exam, questions about recyclable energies keep coming up.

Do You Feel that your Work is Bearing Fruit?

Absolutely! We find: The trainees always come out smarter from the conversations. That’s why we are happy to support them. And we are pleased when it works out in the oral exams.

Does it Work out?

Almost always (laughs).