VTG-RailTrain
Apprentices Supporting Animal Welfare
Sharp edges, rust, and a risk of injury for dogs: Numerous dog kennel doors at the Hamburg Animal Welfare Association needed to be replaced. Support came from the apprentices of VTG RailTrain.
by Andre Grote, Head of Training at VTG RailTrain
As early as last year, the apprentices of VTG RailTrain supported the Hamburger Tierschutzverein von 1841 e.V. (Hamburg Animal Welfare Association) with a temporary wheelchair ramp and the replacement of two defective bicycle stands. The positive feedback and great appreciation from the association left a lasting impression.
“The work as well as the great feedback we received from the Hamburger Tierschutzverein for our work last year strengthened the apprentices’ confidence and inspired them to continue their commitment,” says Andre Grote (Head of Training at VTG RailTrain). “That is why I contacted Mr. Remers, Head of Crafts and Facility Management, to ask about further profession-specific work opportunities for our trainees.”
Eliminating the Risk of Injury for Dogs
The need for action quickly became apparent: A total of 21 dog kennel doors had become heavily corroded due to years of exposure to the elements and daily cleaning with water. As a result, dangerous sharp and pointed edges had formed on many of the doors, making it easy for dogs to injure themselves. Some of the doors have been in use for more than 50 years.
A quick solution was needed. However, the repair work presented the apprentices with a particular challenge. Just before the summer vacation period and after Christmas, the shelter is especially busy and almost every kennel is required: “We faced the problem of wanting to repair doors that were urgently needed during the pre-vacation period,” explains Andre. “Before vacation periods and after Christmas, animals are unfortunately still frequently abandoned or returned.”
Damaged door with sharp, rusty edges.
Ceng-Esad Ulas and Marcel Kromm installing the repaired door.
A Clever Solution for Ongoing Operations
To ensure the kennels could continue to be used during the repairs, the trainees developed a temporary kennel door. This door is installed while the original door is being repaired in the VTG RailTrain workshop and is later replaced by the repaired original door. So far, 13 RailTrain apprentices from all years of training have been involved in the work.
The apprentices organize the work largely independently. Together with the animal caretakers, they inspect the damaged doors, remove them, and install the temporary door. The defective door is then repaired in the workshop. Damaged components are replaced, corrosion protection is renewed, and the door is finally reinstalled on site.
Dog behind the temporary door built by RailTrain.
A Practical Project with Added Value
Welding instructor Abdulai Jallah supports the work in the workshop. For him, the project provides valuable practical experience for the trainees: “The great thing about this assignment is that it covers many of the core qualifications of a construction mechanic that are also required by the apprentices’ curriculum,” says Abdulai. “From customer interaction and cutting and joining metal to on-site quality control.”
“I really enjoy working for the animal welfare association,” says Sinar Kumar, RailTrain-apprentice in his second year. “Through this work, I can contribute with my favorite activity, welding, and share my satisfaction about the completed work with the animal caretakers. You can tell that the well-being of the dogs is important to them.”
From top to bottom: Marcel Kaplan welding the bottom edge of the door, taking measurements, Sinar Kumar after the work is done.
A Partnership with a Future
Although the work on the dog kennel facility is already approaching the finish line, everyone involved agrees that this will not be the last joint project. The successful collaboration between VTG RailTrain and the Hamburg Animal Welfare Association is set to continue in the future.
“The work of the apprentices directly benefits our animals. At the same time, we can use donation funds that do not have to be spent on repairs for other important animal welfare tasks.” – Mario Remers
How You Can Help
The Hamburg Animal Welfare Association finances a large part of its work through donations and also offers a wide range of volunteer opportunities.
You can find more information here.
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