|
People,
Apprentices,
Topics and projects,
Topics and projects

"Everyone automatically takes on more responsibility"

An old mill, 16 apprentices, and a week of hands-on work: In Saas-Grund, Implenia apprentices from all over Switzerland got involved in the annual social project week set against the backdrop of the Valais mountains.

Against the impressive backdrop of the Valais mountains, 16 young colleagues from various apprenticeship programs set to work: Bricklayers, road builders, construction equipment mechanics, carpenters, and commercial apprentices worked together with foremen and warehouse managers to restore the area surrounding an old mill.

A Variety of Projects

Under expert guidance, the apprentices laid curbstones around the forecourt, leveled them properly, and redesigned the area. Right next to it, they built a wooden staircase; to serve as the foundation, they first paved a large stone slab into place.

Slightly above the building, using a small excavator, a jackhammer, and a great deal of manual labor, they dismantled the old water valve and rebuilt it. The “Saas ischi Heimat” Foundation, as the project owner, financed the building materials, while Implenia covered the labor costs.

Valuable Experience for Everyone

“All the apprentices began their final year of training in August,” explains Anita Läderach, who is responsible for the apprenticeship program. “The social project week brings together apprentices from different regions and trades once again and lets them work on a specific project for a week. Here, every single person’s contribution counts. It’s about taking on responsibility and working together as a group—a valuable experience.”

Adrian Geissmann, apprentice supervisor for bricklayers, also sees the social project week as more than just a welcome change of pace: “For us, it’s a special experience every time. We gain new insights and get to see a different side of our day-to-day work.”

What do the students think?

Mirta Signer, an aspiring road builder, is thrilled: “It’s cool here—new challenges every day—I really love it!”
Matheo Waroquier, an aspiring mason, is enjoying the impressive mountain scenery. This is the first time he’s worked exclusively with other apprentices. He says, “Everyone automatically takes on a lot more responsibility than usual—that’s great.”
Alesio Willkomm Palomino, an aspiring bricklayer, highly recommends the social project week: “We’re restoring an old mill here. Implenia provides us with housing, and we have plenty of free time. You can go for walks, but you can also watch World Cup matches at the public viewing area. It’s a wonderful experience that not everyone gets to have—one where you can learn a lot and get to know new people from your own company.”
Maxwell Agossa, an aspiring road builder, thinks the project is cool, especially because he’s learning in detail how to build complex formwork and is getting to know apprentices from other industries as well.

Further articles

Closing the Gap Over the Kiel Canal

Read more

Underground structures are the future

Read more

The Hospital of the Future: Fully Digital

Read more