Read more about 10 years of the trainee programme at REMONDIS Maintenance & Services
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Timo Blanz, 37:
“I was one of the very first trainees ...”
REMONDIS Maintenance & Services' trainee programme has been running for 10 years now – and it has been extremely successful. For companies and employees, and also for former trainee Timo Blanz.
RMS’ trainee programme has been running for 10 years now – and is proving to be extremely successful. For both the company and the employees. Testament to this: 12 former trainees now work in top positions. We wanted to get all the details from one of our first trainees: Just how successful is the programme really? And he answered our questions: Timo Blanz – now our chief financial officer (CFO) for the Middle East region, based in Abu Dhabi.
What qualifications did you have before you joined our trainee programme?
A university degree: I studied controlling & management as well as general management (i.e. economics) at Cologne University of Applied Sciences between 2010 and 2013. Before that, I did an apprenticeship to become a banker – that was effectively the beginning of my career. While I was at uni, I worked as a student employee in a number of controlling departments and so had gathered practical experience early on. I also spent some time in Brazil, which had a big impact on me.
Why did you decide to join the trainee programme back then?
I wanted to grow my knowledge base and get to know a variety of company divisions. The opportunity it gave me to experience the business operations up close on site was particularly appealing – i.e. I would be really close to the processes and not just see them from an administrative angle. The programme was ideal as it has been structured to combine both theoretical and practical know-how.
What had you hoped to get out of it?
A deep understanding of operational and strategic processes, a robust network and personal development. My long-term goal was to hold a position of responsibility within the company.
Have your expectations been met? What experiences did you make?
They have been more than exceeded! The time I spent working with experienced colleagues – for example, during a shutdown in Gelsenkirchen – and the discussions I had with the managers were particularly impactful. This intensive period of learning had a big effect on the path I took afterwards.
Has the trainee programme helped your career?
Definitely. The company-wide network, which I was able to build up back then, is still helping me today – especially when I have to deal with complex challenges.
Can you think of any other key factors or benefits that you would like to mention?
The direct access that I had to the managers and the active mentoring I received were certainly just as important as the practical training. And I believe that the company culture in general – where emphasis is put on support and openness – helps people to be a success.
What are the strong points of our trainee programme? What makes REMONDIS Maintenance & Services stand out here?
Our trainees get to see the different business divisions, carry out operational tasks, take on responsibility and learn how the various strategies are linked to each other. It is, therefore, the versatility of this programme that really makes it stand out and this, in turn, has a positive impact on both the trainees’ professional and personal development.
So where is your career at today?
Well, I’ve been the CFO of the Middle East region since 2019. I worked as a controlling manager in the UAE before that.
Have you got your own trainees?
Yes, I’ve had several. I believe it is an important task to pass on my knowledge and support young talent.
Many thanks, Mr Blanz.
You’re very welcome.
Bright minds who want to get ahead have excellent future prospects at REMONDIS Maintenance & Services. Find out more
