Work environment
Has gender equality now been achieved?
We asked people from the Migros world about their views on equality and work-life balance.
Work environment
“I couldn’t do it without my children”
43-year-old Ashley Ebhardt is a trainee lab technician in the Quality Inspection department of the Swiss Quality Testing Service (SQTS) and a single mum of two. This provides for a balancing act that requires quite some organisation.
What made you decide to start vocational training at the age of 40?
I got married at 22 before I’d finished my biology degree in Canada. I soon had children and wanted to be a full-time mum. Later, we moved our family to Switzerland and my husband and I separated. I wanted to get a job when my children were old enough. It’s very hard without a degree, but I managed to find a job as a lab assistant at SQTS in Dietikon, canton Zurich. My employer then gave me the chance to do a shortened training programme to become a fully qualified lab technician, and I jumped at the opportunity.
Do you receive apprentice-level pay?
Yes, but I get financial support. The city of Zurich gave me a grant which means I can just about get by. I can’t afford any luxuries, but it’s feasible as it’s a short-term situation.
Has the training programme met your expectations?
I was surprised by the standard actually. It’s not far off the bachelor degree I started! I have to study hard in the evenings and at weekends. But I enjoy learning and my two children, who are now in their teens, help me out. They sometimes go shopping, do some cooking and help with the housework. I wouldn’t be able to do it without them.
What are the benefits of doing an apprenticeship at 40?
I think I focus more intently on what I’m doing than young people who’re just starting out in their careers. It’s much easier for them to take a different path. But not so much for me. I’m really motivated, as I’m aware of the downsides of not completing training.
Stories from our work environment
Whether at a desk, in a store or in a laboratory – our work environment is diverse, just like the people behind it. Discover their stories.
All Stories
Supermarket
What is the role of a fruit buyer at Migros?
How do citrus fruits get from the tree to Migros? That’s the job of buyer Michelle Schmid.
Work environment
Doing an apprenticeship at 40
Starting an apprenticeship at 40 takes courage, but is well worthwhile. Here’s the proof: Luciana da Silva Buonanno.
Work environment
Why does Migros have an office in Hong Kong?
About 85 people work for Migros in a high-rise building in the heart of Hong Kong. What exactly they do there.
Work environment
Both a father and trainee
39-year-old Kheradin Shati, a father of three, is completing an apprenticeship at Micarna to integrate.
Work environment
How are wages actually decided upon?
The factors influencing what we earn and why we should always negotiate.
Work environment
Children need new skills
The world of work is changing and new professions are emerging. How can we prepare our children for the future?
Work environment
Fourteen questions for a butcher
Marco Eisenlohr from Micarna explains what he loves about his job and the prejudices he has to contend with.
Working world
Looking for an apprenticeship?
How do young people get their dream apprenticeship? How important are grades? An assessment.
Work environment
“We’re the guardian angels working in the background”
IT specialists Thomas Staub and Thien Nguyen ensure that the heart of the retail world beats in time.
Balloon adventure
“When you’re in a balloon, nothing else matters”
Stefan Wälchli has spent more than 3,000 hours in the air. The passionate balloon pilot flies the familiar Handy bottle – and now also an organic strawberry.