The WISAG Trainee Days – Perspectives for the future

On 30 september 2025, the time had finally come: three exciting and eventful days awaited a total of 30 trainees at this year's WISAG Trainee Days - all of whom are approaching their final examinations, inlcuding five young talents from EICHLER. 

Early in the morning, around 6.30 a.m., our trainees set off together with their trainer Richard Wegele, for the AHORN Panorama Hotel in Oberhof. Upon arrival, the programme began at 12.00 noon with a warm welcome, an introduction of the supervisors, and an overview of the agenda. 

A “fun fact lightning round” set the tone right from the start - everyone introduced themselves by sharing a humorous or surprising fact about themselves. Afterwards, the participants worked together to create a “contract for getting along”, in which they jointly defined rules for respectful interaction with one another. 

The programme continued with a small team challenge: in mixed groups from different locations, the trainees were asked to find three things they had in common - but not the obvious ones. After lunch, it was time to put their craftsmanship to the test: they built their own table football game, which later inspired plenty of competitive spirit during the tournament. After moving into their rooms and a short wrap-up session, the first day came to an end around 8.20 p.m. - with time for conversation and new friendships. 

The second day began with inspiring presentations by Ms. Kopf, Chair of the Central Works Council of WPS, and Mr. Wodarczyk from the Youth and Trainees' Representation, as well as Mr. Hude, Social Media Manager. Afterwards, participants could choose freely from a range of thematic “bubbles”. The option included: 

• Keep cool - handle communication and conflicts confidently
• Your compass in the career jungle - paths and opportunities at WISAG
• Inside WISAG – everything you've always wanted to know
• No need to panic before the exam – with a clear mind to success
• Everything in harmony – starting your career and achieving work-life balance

Three rounds ensured that everyone had the chance to experience the topics that interested them most. In the evening, a walk by torchlight through Oberhof and a quiz night with questions about WISAG, general knowledge and “useless facts” provided an entertaining conclusion to the day. 

The third and final day began with a Q&A session with Mr. Hartmann, Managing Director of WISAG Produktionsservice GmbH. This was followed by an interactive presentation b Ms. Kirschbaum, during which the participants demonstrated their teamwork skills in the “Marshmallow Challenge”. Using marshmallows, spaghetti, string and tape, they were tasked with building the tallest freestanding tower - a creative exercise that inspired great enthusiasm among everyone involved. 

Out of the five teams, three succeeded in building stable towers - two of them even with two levels, and one with an impressive three storeys. After a final feedback session and a shared lunch, it was time to say goodbye. At 2.00 p.m., the trainees set off on their journey home, full of new impressions and motivation. 

The WISAG Trainee Days are planned to take place annually in the future and are organised by WISAG Industrie Service Holding (WISH). The premiere, with 32 participants - including five trainees from EICHLER - was a complete success. A format that ideally combines motivation, a sense of community and future planning.