Timber construction foreman training: Experience report from participant Christian Früh - I only completed the professional examination as a foreman in timber construction for my new job in a larger company after several years of professional experience

Portrait-Foto Christian Früh
Christian Früh

Tell us about yourself and your professional career to date.

My name is Christian Früh. I've been working as a carpenter since my apprenticeship because I love this job. I am 44 years old. I gained several years of professional experience in the Bernese Oberland. When I took over my parents' house in Aargau, I moved back to my former training company. As this company is somewhat larger, I decided to complete a timber construction foreman apprenticeship.

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Which course did you complete at wbz Lenzburg?

At wbz Lenzburg, I completed further training as a carpenter to become a timber construction foreman with a federal certificate. To hold this title, you have to pass a professional examination.

Why did you decide to train as a timber construction foreman?

After changing companies, I joined a larger company where I could use my skills as a timber construction foreman. That's why I completed this further training course in carpentry. I can fully apply the skills I have acquired in my day-to-day work.

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Why did you choose the Lenzburg training center for the timber construction foreman training?

I chose wbz Lenzburg because I had already completed my apprenticeship in Lenzburg. I'm a bit older and have to manage my time well for work, family and studying. Longer journeys were out of the question for the timber construction foreman apprenticeship. That's why wbz Lenzburg was a good fit for my timber construction foreman training.

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How does the timber construction foreman training support you in your professional work?

Since my training as a timber construction foreman, I've noticed that I can see more behind the facades. I'm not always outside at work, but can see the material orders and the individual preparation areas in the timber construction work. Since the timber construction foreman training, I have been able to use my newly acquired skills here.

What did you like best about the timber construction foreman apprenticeship?

What I liked best about the timber construction foreman training was the contact with the lecturers and other participants. The professional and personal contact with the others was good and lively. It wasn't just training, but also a kind of school of life.

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Have you also grown personally as a result of your carpentry training?

New contacts were made through the carpenter training. And there was a professional exchange. I was able to maintain this network from my training as a timber construction foreman. So I can exchange ideas by phone or in person on a regular basis.

Were there any difficult or challenging moments during your carpentry training?

During the carpentry training, we were confronted with a new situation and new teaching methods due to the coronavirus pandemic. We then had part of the timber construction foreman training via Zoom. This was not easy for us carpenters. Luckily, my children helped me set things up. The timber construction foreman training was also a bit challenging for me at my age in terms of learning. I sometimes had to read something two or three times to memorize it. Time was also tight and it wasn't always easy to juggle work, family and studying. I was one of the older participants on the timber construction foreman course. Nevertheless, it was very interesting for me to have contact with the young carpenters again and to exchange ideas. So it's no obstacle to complete further training even at an advanced age. It's also the years of professional experience that help you in the timber construction foreman training and give you the corresponding security.

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Did the course also help you personally?

The "Timber construction foreman" course has given me more confidence in my job. I can act more confidently in front of other employees and customers. In this respect, I have benefited a lot from the timber construction foreman training.

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Have you been able to increase your market value with the timber construction foreman training?

With a qualification as a timber construction foreman, you can sell yourself better on the market. This additional training is in high demand. More knowledge is always in demand on the job market.

What learning content helped you particularly well?

I found all the content of the timber construction foreman apprenticeship very interesting. I have already thought about what I liked best. However, this is very difficult, as every aspect of the carpentry job is very interesting. I really liked the subject "Drawing, space and structure" and the technical subjects during the timber construction foreman apprenticeship. I also found the subject of leadership very interesting. You learn more about how best to act or proceed tactically when leading. This is also very helpful for me in everyday life.

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Have you reached a higher professional position thanks to the timber construction foreman training?

Thanks to my training as a timber construction foreman, I have achieved a very good professional position. Before that, we carpenters were able to do a lot ourselves in a small company. In a larger company, my newly acquired management skills are even more important.

What was your favorite part of the timber construction foreman training course?

My favorite part was when we were all able to get to know each other better at an introductory weekend at the start of the timber construction foreman training. This close get-together with an overnight stay helped us to get to know each other quickly. It was very nice on a personal level. Professionally, I was able to learn a lot of new things in the area of drawing. Even if you had already learned a lot during your apprenticeship, as a timber construction foreman you can now see much more behind it and recognize new aspects such as CAD drawing. As a younger carpenter, you didn't have a clear view of everything. It was a good thing for me to brush up on this and understand it better.

Who would you recommend this carpentry training course to?

I would recommend this further training for carpenters to all carpenters who have worked for a while after their apprenticeship and love the job. With the timber construction foreman training, you see new aspects of the job and have a lot of fun with what you've learned. It takes willpower and enjoyment, then you're in the right place.

What was the atmosphere like during the timber construction foreman training?

The atmosphere during the timber construction foreman training was very good. It was a bit different for me as I'm older. However, all the participants had an interest in the carpentry profession and so we were able to exchange ideas as like-minded people. I was also able to build up a good relationship with the lecturers during the timber construction foreman training.

What did you like best about wbz Lenzburg?

The wbz Lenzburg is an uncomplicated school for wood construction foreman training. You can talk to the secretary's office and get folders and notepads there. The principals and lecturers are very competent. For me, it is a personal and good school.

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