ALINA SCHMIDT

Ambitious apprentice

Alina first became interested in MEIKO after seeing the company on the German apprenticeship website "DEIN DING #läuft". In 2023, she joined our company to train as an industrial clerk, specialising in business English and French. She already has a clear idea of where her career will take her once she finishes her apprenticeship in 2026.

"I WAS BLOWN AWAY FROM DAY ONE."

That's how Alina sums up the first year of her apprenticeship at MEIKO. She is still working her way through the departments based on her personalised training schedule and has already spent an exciting period outside Germany at our Italian market organisation. Her passion for foreign languages and fluent Italian made her time in Italy an unforgetable experience.

WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT YOUR APPRENTICESHIP, ALINA?

Alina: "The best part is the variety you get by rotating through so many different departments – it certainly keeps things interesting! I recently spent time in visitor management, and before that I was shadowing the teams in machine shipping and spare-parts sales. What I really love about MEIKO is how much freedom they give you. No matter which department you're in, people genuinely want to hear your ideas. And they encourage you to work independently even while you're still training. That approach ticks all my boxes."

WHAT'S BEEN THE BIGGEST HIGHLIGHT SO FAR?

Alina: "The best part of my apprenticeship so far was the two months I spent at MEIKO Italia in summer 2024. Being alone in a foreign country, completely out of my comfort zone – that really pushed me to my limits! Some of the projects seemed impossible at first, but there was always a path forward, and I learned so much about myself while I was there. I’m much more aware now of my strengths and weaknesses. Plus, spending time in Italy made me realise how much I want to work in a role that combines languages with lots of customer contact."

WHAT MAKES MEIKO SO SPECIAL?

Alina: "There are so many things I like. The most important is how everyone here – no matter their role – genuinely values the contributions of others. We work together as equals, and even though it’s a big company, the atmosphere is almost family-like. People are encouraged to openly discuss problems and to suggest their own ideas and solutions. MEIKO has the right training and development opportunities for just about every personality type. That's something very special."

100 PERCENT COMMITTED TO MEIKO

Our group of apprentices often meets for lunch and spends time together during breaks. It’s a really nice routine that has helped me make new friends at MEIKO. Right now, I could easily imagine still working here when I’m much older!

WHAT DO YOU LOOK FORWARD TO MOST EACH MORNING?

Alina: "The sense of togetherness, and all the interesting conversations I have with my colleagues. Rotating through so many parts of the company and learning how everything works means there’s no chance of my apprenticeship getting boring. It feels like they are actively developing my strengths while exposing me to all sides of the business. I find that really motivating."

HOW DO YOU UNWIND FROM WORK?

Alina: “I'm a proud dog mum to Carlos, my Maltese mix. My grandmother looks after him during the week, and I have him evenings and weekends. I also like to keep active with regular gym sessions and occasional yoga classes. Thanks to the flexible working hours at MEIKO, I can choose when I work, so I get a much better balance that leaves time for my hobbies, my little dog and my personal life."

HOW DID YOU HEAR ABOUT MEIKO?

Growing up in Ortenau, Alina had always been familiar with the MEIKO name. At first, she only associated the company with warewashing technology. But that changed after several teenage visits to her grandmother, who once worked in a hospital. It was then that she discovered MEIKO’s cleaning and disinfection products – including bedpan-washers and combined care units.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO POTENTIAL APPLICANTS?

Alina: “Have the courage to be who you really are. MEIKO recognises and rewards openness, team spirit and determination. Show real commitment to your work and you’ll get plenty of support in return. There’s no need to be afraid, because this is a company that takes a truly constructive approach to mistakes – it’s all about growing individually and as a team."

CAREER TO DATE

Prior to apprenticeship at MEIKO

Technical higher education entrance qualification, plus some initial internships

2023-2026

Apprenticeship as an Industrial Clerk with an additional qualification in International Business Management and Foreign Languages at MEIKO

2026

Planned completion of apprenticeship
Career objective: Seeking roles that require multiple languages and high levels of customer contact

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