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From a school tour to a journeyman carpenter: a successful apprenticeship at ISINGERMERZ
How a factory tour led to a career path
When Aphiwat visited ISINGERMERZ with his school class for a factory tour in 2023, the initial aim was to gain an insight into the carpentry trade. Three years later, he has submitted his final project and is on the verge of successfully completing his apprenticeship as a carpenter.
From first impressions to an apprenticeship
During the factory tour, the young people were tasked with building a Da Vinci bridge out of wooden parts alongside experienced journeymen. The aim was to give them a hands-on insight into the craft. For Aphiwat, however, it did not end with a one-off tour. He had already carried out small craft projects at home and discovered his enthusiasm for working with wood. The impressions from the workshop and the insights into day-to-day working life at ISINGERMERZ encouraged him to pursue this path further.
In August 2023, he finally began his apprenticeship as a joiner.
Responsibility right from the start
During his apprenticeship, Aphiwat gradually became an integral part of the team. With each new project, he took on more responsibility, gained practical experience and grew in confidence.
From an early stage, he worked on various projects and also managed his own smaller tasks. These included, amongst other things, the production of a table top as a moulded part and the construction of a stool from solid wood. Furthermore, he familiarised himself with the wide range of tasks in the workshop, assisted with assembly work and deepened his knowledge of working with machinery, materials and customers.
With every project came new tasks and areas to learn. Not every challenge could be mastered straight away, and some steps required consultation or new approaches. Crucially, however, Aphiwat always persevered and continued to develop his skills.
The task: To build a stool from scratch
The focus was not only on the finished piece, but above all on initiative, problem-solving skills and hands-on learning. From marking out the first lines to the finished surface, every step of the process required precision, patience and craftsmanship. Aphiwat not only drew on the knowledge he had acquired during his training, but also incorporated his own ideas into the design. The result was a piece that bears his personal touch and reflects both his craftsmanship and his great dedication.
The journeyman’s piece as a milestone
At the end of May 2026, a special moment finally arrived: the submission of his journeyman’s piece – an important milestone on the path to becoming a journeyman joiner.
The results of the final examination were announced at the end of June. This success was celebrated together with colleagues at a small garden party during a break. The official graduation ceremony will take place in September 2026 at the BRITA Arena.
This marks the end of a significant phase of his training. At the same time, it signals the start of a new chapter: following his successful completion of the programme, Aphiwat will remain with the company. By mutual agreement, he will join the ISINGERMERZ team as a journeyman carpenter with effect from 1 July 2026. He will therefore continue to shape his professional future with us. This move is a wonderful sign of mutual trust and successful joint development for both parties. The apprenticeship programme at ISINGERMERZ is deliberately designed to support young talent in the long term and offer them prospects within the company.
More than just an apprenticeship
Aphiwat’s story shows just how important practical insights, real responsibility and opportunities for personal development are in the skilled trades. A site visit led to an apprenticeship. A first impression gave rise to a career path. And an interested student has become a trainee joiner who is successfully continuing his journey at ISINGERMERZ.
