Oct 9, 2025

On 11 August 2025, it was once again time for us to welcome two new apprentices to our headquarters in Winterthur. This continues a long tradition for us, as PRONATEC has successfully been training young commercial talent since 1995. What is particularly important to us is a versatile, practical approach to the apprenticeship. It enables us to give our five current apprentices a solid foundation for their future careers.

While at PRONATEC, the apprentices spend time in various departments, for example the back office in Sugar, Vanilla, Chocolate or Chocolate & Coatings. They also gain practical insights into our production and warehouse, where they pack samples or process shipping orders. In their third year, the apprentices enjoy a special highlight: the opportunity to participate in the “Biofach” international trade fair. There, they experience the organic industry beyond the office and engage directly with our customers.

The structure of their daily life is designed to be as diverse as possible – checking e-mails, processing orders, completing tasks independently and clarifying customer queries. There are also targeted “time-to-learn” tasks, combining theory and practice. In this way our apprentices obtain not only specialist expertise but also methodological and social skills, which are important well beyond the final apprenticeship exam.

From their first day, the apprentices are integrated in a supportive network. A vocational trainer and a coach supervise them closely throughout their training. They also meet every six weeks at joint workshops – which is notable, as in many companies, apprentices do not have an opportunity to exchange ideas with one another in a targeted way. While the workshops are also used to discuss specialist topics, they focus primarily on soft skills such as teamwork and individual responsibility, as well as our corporate values of sustainability and social responsibility.

The subject of apprentices is particularly important at PRONATEC, as it is a conscious investment in the future. “We not only want to train skilled workers; our aim is long-term integration of the next generation in our corporate culture. We therefore invest in high-quality training, a motivating environment and diverse development opportunities”, explains Yvonne Vasquez, coach for the apprentices at PRONATEC.

Looking back, we can see how successful this is: many former apprentices stayed on with us after completing their training, and some now hold key positions. For us, this is the best feedback – and perfect proof that the training approach at PRONATEC is the right one for respectful long-term collaboration.

Raphael Berger completed his commercial apprenticeship at PRONATEC 16 years ago – and stayed on. He now works as Supply Chain Manager in the Cocoa Bean Department and knows the company from a range of perspectives.

Raphael, what made you choose an apprenticeship at PRONATEC – and what did you enjoy most about your training?
I was interested in trade early on, and the idea of social commitment and sustainability just sounded cool and interesting to me back then. The company’s international background was also appealing. Looking back, PRONATEC had a big influence on me during this time. What I really liked was that I could get to know lots of different departments, which I probably would not have been able to do elsewhere. In the third year of the apprenticeship, I was already able to work more independently – which was a big step forward.

Is there a particular experience or project that stands out in your mind?
Yes, without a doubt collaborating on our in-house newspaper “la Novedad”. We apprentices designed and published the whole thing ourselves. That was definitely a highlight!

Who supported you the most during this time?
My vocational trainer Brigitte Jud and several heads of department who supported me during my training were particularly important for me.

You stayed on after your apprenticeship. Why was that, and how has your role developed since then?
It was the obvious step – I was in the flow and was able to join the back office of the Sugar and Cocoa Products Departments immediately after mandatory military service. I was allowed to take on responsibility already at a young age but was also able to take time out for travelling and my hobbies now and then. Later on, I did further training to become a Supply Chain Manager AFPE, which gave me fresh impetus. I am now jointly responsible for purchasing organic and fair trade cocoa beans from the Dominican Republic and logistics. This also involves travelling to the countries of origin to communicate directly with the farming families and cooperatives.

How do you feel that PRONATEC has changed over the last decade?
We have grown significantly and daily office life has changed a lot: it was all paper-based before, but almost everything is digital now. Documentation, regulatory and quality assurance requirements have also increased. While the ideas behind are good, it also involves a lot of challenges.

What do you particularly like about the corporate culture? What motivates you in your work now?
Working at PRONATEC is very informal and straightforward – almost like coming home. Sustainability is not just a buzzword here but really is put into practice. In my daily life, it is important to me that the supply chain runs as smoothly as possible. I particularly enjoy the personal contact with our suppliers from the Dominican Republic. I believe that my work plays an important role in the company. I feel appreciated and seen. That gives me purpose and also strengthens my social awareness.

Where do you see yourself in the next few years?
Outside of work, I have become a father, and my daughter is my number one priority. Workwise, I am very happy at the moment – I do my best and am pleased when our commitment and passion can help make the world a little bit better.

Do you have any advice for the new apprentices at PRONATEC?
Be brave, ask a lot of questions and dare to say “no” now and again. Understanding the connections and the background is important, it makes the training more interesting and more worthwhile.