Apprenticeship with internship in Canada
Helena in an
interview about
her career
From the wood technology apprenticeship to an internship in Canada and the log yard: Helena tells us in an interview how her journey at THEURL has gone so far. From completing her apprenticeship with honours to working at the log yard: Helena shows how varied and exciting an apprenticeship in wood technology at THEURL can be. In this interview, she talks about her career, what she particularly likes about her work and why she decided to train as a master craftswoman.
How do you look back on your training as a wood technician?
The apprenticeship was an instructive and exciting time for me. I had the opportunity to familiarise myself with many different areas – from wood processing to quality assurance. I particularly liked the fact that I was integrated into the team right from the start and was allowed to take on responsibility.
What made you decide to start an apprenticeship as a wood technician?
I wanted to do something that was both technical and close to nature. Wood is an incredibly versatile material, and at THEURL I saw how modern and exciting the industry can be. The combination of craftsmanship, technology and sustainability really appealed to me.
Your internship in Canada was certainly a particular highlight. How did that come about?
THEURL has a partner company in Canada. After completing my apprenticeship, I was offered the opportunity to do a one-month internship there. That was of course a great opportunity. It was impressive to see how they work with wood there. I gained a lot of new impressions and also learnt how important Austrian wood quality is abroad.
And did you have some time to explore the country?
Yes, fortunately. After the internship, I had another week to get to know Canada a bit. The nature, the people, the country – it was really impressive. It was an experience I won’t forget.
Insights into the
internship in
Canada
Test
What are you doing at THEURL now?
I work at the log yard. That’s where the delivered wood arrives first. We look at it, assess the quality, sort it and prepare everything for further processing. Among other things, I take care of quality control, documentation and coordination with my colleagues in production.
Was the transition from teaching to day-to-day work difficult?
Not really. I was already allowed to work independently during my apprenticeship, which helped. Sure, everything is new at the beginning – but you grow into it. And if something is unclear, I can always ask questions.
You decided to do the master craftsman's qualification. What motivated you to take this step?
I want to deepen my knowledge and broaden my career prospects. The foreman’s certificate is the next logical step. It gives me the opportunity to take on management tasks later on and I want to keep this option open.
What advice would you give to someone who is interested in an apprenticeship at THEURL?
Just do it. If you’re interested, you’ll be well received here and can learn a lot. You don’t have to be afraid to ask questions – you grow into it over time.
Helena shows: You can achieve a lot with commitment and curiosity. We are proud to have her in our team – and excited to see where her path will take her.
