Talents
The Forester as an Apprentice
Christoph Lehofer is an apprentice in carpentry technology at
Josef Göbel, but he is already part of the leadership team. And in
many other ways, "the forester" is not your typical apprentice.
Josef Göbel, but he is already part of the leadership team. And in
many other ways, "the forester" is not your typical apprentice.
Your colleagues call you "the forester." Why is that?
Christoph
Lately, they’ve even started calling me "Försti" (laughs). Before starting my apprenticeship, I attended and graduated from the forestry school in Bruck, earning my Matura. Theoretically, I was not far from becoming a certified forester, but to officially hold that title, you need to pass the state examination. After school, though, I realized I wanted to do something more hands-on. That is why I chose to train as a carpentry technician. The industry is similar—I am still working with wood. I just took a step further into processing rather than forest management.
Does your knowledge of wood from school help you in your apprenticeship?
Christoph
Absolutely. The experience from school, the fact that I have my Matura, and, of course, the technical knowledge all help. Plus, having that background allowed me to shorten my apprenticeship. Normally, it takes four years, but for me, it's just three.
Was it a concern during your application that you were almost 20 when starting an apprenticeship?
Christoph
Not at all. Even if you are a bit "older" for an apprentice, it does not matter. In fact, the company was really keen on having me and said, "Hey, we want you. It would be great if you joined us." We now have several apprentices and employees who have already completed a different career before starting here. I think that is an advantage because you approach things differently—you bring past experiences and integrate them into your job.
So, you are in your third year now?
Christoph
Yes, I skipped the first year and jumped straight into the second. That was over a year and a half ago, so I am now in my third year. Not long now until my final apprenticeship exam (LAP).
Do you already have an idea of what is next?
Christoph
We will see where the path takes me. Right now, things are looking good for me at the company. I am already part of the team leadership for assembly and logistics in shopfitting.
That is possible as an apprentice?
Christoph
In this case, yes. You need to meet certain requirements, of course. They asked me, "Do you want to try it out?" I think it is amazing that what started as just testing the waters turned into an actual leadership role. That is really cool. It is also a completely different challenge. You have to think differently, take on different tasks, and gain a new perspective.
And sometimes, like right now when things are especially busy, it can be a real challenge. Sure, I have to take on more responsibility than a typical apprentice. But that is the path I wanted to take, and I hope that once I pass my final exam, I can continue in this role or something similar.
And sometimes, like right now when things are especially busy, it can be a real challenge. Sure, I have to take on more responsibility than a typical apprentice. But that is the path I wanted to take, and I hope that once I pass my final exam, I can continue in this role or something similar.
