Hello Pelagia. Please introduce yourself briefly.
Pelagia: Hi, I am Pelagia Papadopoulos. This is a rather difficult name, so everyone just calls me “Bella”. I am 32 years old and therefore probably the oldest among the current group of trainees. I am married and have a young son. Before working at Arvato Financial Solutions, I studied sports in Greece and later mathematics in Bielefeld. Afterwards I changed my career focus and started an apprenticeship as an office management assistant at Arvato Financial Solutions. In just a few weeks I will be in my second year of my apprenticeship.
Did you know that part-time training was possible before you applied to Arvato Financial Solutions?
Pelagia: I was aware that Arvato Financial Solutions offers part-time apprenticeships because I had done a lot of research before and had also addressed this topic directly within my job interview. It was also very important to me to address this topic right at the beginning. It would have been such a shame if I had started with 8 hours and noticed in the middle of it, that I couldn’t manage it in terms of time. I knew that I absolutely wanted to do this apprenticeship, but only at maximum 6 hours per day, because I want to take care of my little son. In the morning, he goes to kindergarten, but in the afternoon, I want to be there for him. I have a great educational manager, Kerstin Hörning, who supports and understands me in every aspect. I am very grateful for that.
Would a full-time apprenticeship have ever been an option for you?
Pelagia: I could have worked full-time, but that would have been much more difficult for me. I personally believe that when I do something, I want to do it properly. I lose 2 hours’ worth of time and earning money, but I can fully concentrate on my son. For me it is important to complete my apprenticeship properly. When my son is older, I will be able to work full time. But to find the balance between family and education, I must set clear boundaries. In my opinion, it doesn’t work any other way.