[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” width=”90%” custom_padding=”0px||0px||true|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
Torsten B\u00f6ttjer 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’. <\/em><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n In his main job, Torsten B\u00f6ttjer 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. <\/p>\n The companies of the DS Group<\/a> currently have around 30 apprentices. The dual training<\/a> 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 B\u00f6ttjer, who has been supporting apprentices of the DS Group with advice and assistance for many years. <\/p>\n 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<\/a> with me. I still benefit from that today. <\/p>\n 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.’ <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” width=”90%” custom_margin=”30px||||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||0px||true|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_divider color=”#D4D4D4″ divider_weight=”1px” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/ds-bremen.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/zitat.svg” title_text=”Quote” admin_label=”Anf\u00fcrhungszeichen” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” max_width=”80px” module_alignment=”left” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label=”Zitat” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”1.8em” text_line_height=”1.1em” text_font_size_tablet=”1.6em” text_font_size_phone=”1.6em” text_font_size_last_edited=”on|tablet” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n In preparation for the oral exam<\/strong>, it became clear to me which topics I had not yet understood. Just in time to clarify questions. <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Zitat” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]Ilka Tirrel, trained as a wholesale and foreign trade merchant in June 2019 [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_divider color=”#D4D4D4″ divider_weight=”1px” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n For the oral exam, I give the apprentices the finishing touches – three to five months before they go into this exam.<\/p>\n 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. <\/p>\n 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. <\/p>\n It’s not about additional lessons at all. It’s more of a casual conversation. Apprentices should primarily be able to ask their questions. <\/p>\n 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 \u00bd hours. [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” width=”90%” custom_margin=”30px||||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||0px||true|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_divider color=”#D4D4D4″ divider_weight=”1px” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/ds-bremen.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/zitat.svg” title_text=”Quote” admin_label=”Anf\u00fcrhungszeichen” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” max_width=”80px” module_alignment=”left” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label=”Zitat” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”1.8em” text_line_height=”1.1em” text_font_size_tablet=”1.6em” text_font_size_phone=”1.6em” text_font_size_last_edited=”on|tablet” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n It’s different whether you read a textbook or talk to someone who has known the subject from practice for years<\/strong>.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Zitat” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]Jan-Lucca Neubauer, trained as a business economist BIHV since January 2019[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_divider color=”#D4D4D4″ divider_weight=”1px” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nMr. B\u00f6Ttjer, how Did You Become Involved in Company Training?<\/h3>\n
How Do You Specifically Implement Support for Apprentices?<\/h3>\n
What Do Apprentices Say when They Have another Training Session in Addition to Vocational School?<\/h3>\n
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. <\/p>\nWhat Steps Have You Taken to get Involved in Training?<\/h3>\n