Despite the challenges of the pandemic year – with home schooling and plenty of uncertainty – all 37 of our apprentices successfully completed their qualification process, with eight even achieving top marks. We asked our talented apprentices how their apprenticeship had prepared them for life.
(from left to right): Burak Sancak, Building Cleaner EFZ, final grade 5.1 | Endrit Mehmeti, Building Cleaner EFZ, final grade 5.2 | Ismet Uygun, Building Cleaner EFZ, final grade 5.1 | Kilian Meier, Drainage Technician EFZ, final grade 5.3 | Luca Fischer, Drainage Technician EFZ, final grade 5.3 | Maekele Mahray, Building Cleaner EBA, final grade 5.1 | Samira Mathys, Building Cleaner EFZ, final grade 5.2 | Yonedys Ramirez, Building Cleaner EFZ, final grade 5.2
What did you learn during your training that will help you in the future?
Burak Sancak: The ability to adapt to any situation and to work both as part of a team and, when necessary, on my own.
Endrit Mehmeti: It’s always worth sticking with it and working hard.
Ismet Uygun: I can now work very efficiently without disturbing anyone.
Kilian Meier: I’ve gained a lot of theoretical knowledge about the profession and understand the bigger picture. For example: Where does the water come from, and where does it go?
Maekele Mahray: I’ve learned to be a team player.
Samira Mathys: You must never give up.
Yonedis Ramirez: I know what it means to take responsibility, to be reliable and independent, and to work as part of a team.
What experience at ISS left the biggest impression on you?
Endrit Mehmeti: The orientation week with all the apprentices really stuck with me. I didn’t expect such a warm welcome. ISS’s appreciation for us apprentices remained consistent throughout all three years of my apprenticeship.
Ismet Uygun: What made the biggest impression on me was the camaraderie among the employees and the fact that we always found a good solution when disputes arose - that’s motivating. I was also proud that I was allowed to take on responsibility.
Maekele Mahray: I enjoyed the multicultural environment, though the apprenticeship itself was an experience in and of itself for me. I’d like to take this opportunity to thank ISS for this opportunity and for their support during this time.
Samira Mathys: The support I received from our trainer, Ms. Bilgili.
Yonedys Ramirez: I was able to make new friends.
Here’s what my colleagues and my mentor say about me:
Burak Sancak: I’m a helpful, reliable, calm, and reserved person.
Endrit Mehmeti: My on-the-job trainer said that I always keep my cool and can handle everything calmly and with a smile, even in difficult situations.
Ismet Uygun: I work reliably, am a good listener, and can remember different things very quickly.
Maekele Mahray: I’m very decent.
Samira Mathys: I’m very interested in the profession and always give 100 percent.
Yonedys Ramirez: I’m a very reliable person and always friendly. People can always have fun with me, and I help out whenever possible.
What are your plans after your apprenticeship?
Burak Sancak: I’d like to continue working at ISS to gain experience and advance my career. Later, I’d like to pass on my knowledge to future apprentices.
Endrit Mehmeti: I’d like to stay at ISS and build my career. My goal is to become a Facility Services Manager one day.
Ismet Uygun: After my apprenticeship, I’d like to have a permanent position at ISS and eventually take the professional certification exam.
Kilian Meier: I’d like to get my commercial driver’s license first and then train to become a practical instructor. That way, I can support new apprentices on their journey. After that, I’d like to go abroad for two or three language study trips.
Luca Fischer: After my apprenticeship,I’d like to stay at ITS Kanal Services and get my commercial driver’s license.
Maekele Mahray: I want to continue with the EFZ apprenticeship in building cleaning.
Samira Mathys: I’d like to continue my education and eventually lead a team.
Yonedis Ramirez: In September, I’ll be going on an ISS-sponsored language study trip to Malta to improve my English. After that, I’d like to continue working in facility management for a year and then start a continuing education program.
This year, 37 apprentices at ISS successfully completed their apprenticeships in four occupational fields. Eight even earned top grades, and four of them rank among the best building cleaners in German-speaking Switzerland. Eleven building cleaners, eight facilities management specialists, three drainage technicians, and fourteen business administration apprentices received the Federal Certificate of Competence (EFZ). One building cleaner received the Federal Vocational Certificate (EBA). We extend our heartfelt congratulations and are delighted that 29 talented individuals will continue their careers at ISS.