Tom Wegner is training to become a forester in the 104.43 Forest District South department. He completed a 4-week internship at Baumwerk GmbH in Vorchdorf (Austria).
activities
various processes and techniques in forestry: e.g. B. Tree care with the lifting platform Tree care with rope climbing technique Felling of calamity wood| Operating the hack truck| Operating the timber crane| Tree removal with the aerial work platform
Employee retention and personnel development play a major role at Baumwerk.
If employees develop preferences for working with certain machines, they receive internal learning units or training so that they can further develop their expertise and enjoy their work.
I also benefited from this type of support culture. I gained insights into various areas of activity and was able to try out machines such as the chipper truck, the wood truck, the aerial work platform and the excavator with a harvester unit.
Particularly worth mentioning is the strengthening of company cohesion through various campaigns. I was able to take part in the company party to inaugurate the new hack truck on the day I arrived and go on a hike together at the weekend. In addition, once the work was done, we didn’t always go home straight away, but often had a little chat in the company yard.
Before the internship started, I received a “welcome letter,” which I thought was very nice.
Baumwerk goes international
… that was the title in the local online newspaper. Klaas, a migrant worker from the Netherlands, and I were interviewed.
One call is enough.
A tree had to be shortened just below a high-voltage line using an aerial work platform. In order to carry out the work safely, the cables had to be suspended for the duration of the work. The person responsible came by at short notice, arranged for the line to be switched off by telephone and work continued a short time later.
Dealing with working hours and appreciation of clients
Similar to here, the employees work 40 hours a week. However, working hours are more flexible. An order is completed, even if it means that you have to work longer. Other working days are correspondingly shorter.
Coffee and cake or even a hearty lunchtime snack: a “thank you” from the customers for our work. In general, there is a completely different lunch culture in Upper Austria! If lunch is not provided by customers, you can also go to the nearby inn. Before my internship, I followed a vegetarian diet for a long time. A look at the menu made it clear that this would be difficult to continue.
sustainability
The question of the “forest of the future” also arises in Austria. The spruce, which is so frowned upon here, is still planted, but new tree species such as elm, Douglas fir and whitebeam are also being tried out. The overall focus is on natural regeneration.
There is a lot of water in the region and this is put to use. Sustainable energy is a big topic. There are many hydroelectric power plants on the Alm and Traun rivers.
Inclusion
It was nice to see that various paths in the mountains and some leisure activities, such as the “treetop path”, were barrier-free.
The four weeks in Vorchdorf were a great time because they were extremely varied, interesting and educational. What struck me was the great professionalism and variety of the work.
The whole team welcomed me very warmly and integrated me straight away, so I felt really comfortable. I was touched and impressed by the openness and appreciation towards me.
Of course German is spoken in Austria, but the dialect in Upper Austria was like a new language for me. I couldn’t immediately classify words like “Scheibtruche” (wheelbarrow) or fesch (pretty). But everyone made a huge effort to ensure that I understood everything.
I have repeatedly noticed the palm bushes from various customers. A colorful shrub made up of various plants such as juniper, yew or holly. This is consecrated on Palm Sunday and then carried around the house three times. The tradition goes back to Palm Sunday, I was told. The tied palm bushes are then supposed to protect the house against lightning, fire and disease and also ensure a good harvest.
A big thank you goes to the entire team at Baumwerk for the great welcome on site and also for implementing the internship. I would also like to thank my mentor Birgit Vonde and my trainer Mr. Ringel, who have always supported me.
