How you finish a piece of work that someone else started

On the train preparation education, an apprenticeship with a company is the prerequisite for moving on to the main course. There is no school path all the way through so the apprenticeship is unavoidable. The good news is that you are not alone in the task.

§Use the school's help

Vocational schools have counselors who help find apprenticeships and often have close contact with companies in the industry. This is the first place you should knock — they know the market better than you do at the start.

§Step by step

• 01Talk with the school's internship consultant and hear which companies are looking
• 02Make a short, honest application and CV — highlight your interest in the field.
• 03Contact railway and shunting companies directly and ask about opportunities
• 04Be flexible with geography — the apprenticeships are where trains are prepared
• 05Follow up on your inquiries; persistence gets employers' attention

§If it stretches out

If you don't get an agreement right away, remember: keep contact with school and keep trying. It can take time, and meanwhile you can strengthen your CV with relevant courses or experience. A good attitude and patience go far here.