Chris is an apprentice in Bitterfeld. He was on a mission for VTG at the Paris site and reports on his experiences.

“Who are you and what do you do at VTG?

My name is Chris Lucas Heinze, I’m 20 years old and I’m currently doing a shortened apprenticeship at the Bitterfeld site to become a freight forwarding and logistics services clerk. My employer is VTG Rail Logistics Germany. I am in my 3rd year of training and am about to complete my apprenticeship.

How did you get the idea to do a stay abroad in Paris?

As a person who likes to speak and learn foreign languages, I didn’t hesitate and jumped at the chance to do an internship for a period of three to six weeks at one of VTG’s foreign sites. By the way, every trainee is given this opportunity when they sign their training contract. After the Corona epidemic initially ruined my plans, I had the opportunity to apply for a scholarship from Erasmus+ at the beginning of 2022. My wish was approved and nothing now stood between me and abroad. But where to? The choice fell on Paris. I speak French and also find the country and of course the city very interesting.

What does VTG do at the Paris location and what are your tasks?

VTG is represented at the Paris location by VTG Rail Logistics and Rail Europe. In close cooperation, they offer customers package solutions in this way. From running supervision and recruitment of freight, to leasing and maintenance of VTG wagons. Customers receive an all-round package, including customer service.

Here in France, it is clear what benefits the TOM initiative can bring to all of us in our everyday working lives!

As far as my tasks are concerned, I can say that first and foremost for me it is about learning the working methods in the Paris office. To do this, I jump between departments and try to absorb as much new information as possible and support where I can. Besides Rail Logistics, it was also important for me to get to know the world of wagon hire. For this purpose I had the chance to contribute and participate in a meeting for the acquisition of a new customer. I was also able to get to know “WAMOS”, which was previously unknown to me, and contribute to the maintenance of rental contracts or the handling of damage wagon management.

What was the biggest challenge for you?

As you might guess, it was of course the language. Despite my quite good knowledge of French from school, I had to admit defeat to the fast speech of the French in some situations. What I benefited from was the understanding of all my colleagues, who then tried to get the information I wanted across to me in other ways.

In general, I immediately had the feeling of being part of the big VTG family. In addition to activities after working hours, a small picnic was organized during the lunch break.