“About fifteen years ago, we were approached by a service provider for people with disabilities. I still remember their opening line: ‘We have young people with disabilities who are eager to work, and we are convinced that they would do well in your company.’ We thought, ‘Why not? We have no idea what it will mean for us, but we are open to giving these young people a chance.”

“After a few trial days, during which we got to know our future colleagues and they got to know the field of work and their future colleagues, we signed an apprenticeship contract with both Reinhard and Simon. They both had an inclusive apprenticeship. This meant they were allowed to learn just some aspects of working in a sports store, combined with limited school requirements. Everything was adapted to their capabilities, whereas the others had to learn everything. This phase was intensive and lasted a long time for us and for them, since we had to find out what worked and what didn’t. Fortunately, we were supported by a service provider who informed us of all the support and funding options available.”

“Our staff in the different stores welcomed both Simon and Reinhard very warmly. We were really keen to embark on this new adventure and give them both a chance. However, we soon found out that it would take some effort to find the right department for them, from our perspective, their perspective and that of the customers. This took some time. Let me give an example. Reinhard, for instance, is a cross-country skier and has extensive knowledge of the different products and how they are used. Initially, we planned for him to sell this equipment in winter, but we found that our customers were not convinced by his expertise, so we had to find another department for him to continue his apprenticeship.”

“Their task was to learn, improve, and achieve their vocational training goals. For us, it was all a new experience; we had never trained disabled teenagers before. We had limited knowledge and open, uncertain expectations, but their friendliness and motivation made it easy for them to become part of the team. The same applied to customers.”

“Simon and Reinhard sometimes needed more support, which took up more of our staff’s time. For example, although Reinhard was very knowledgeable about cross-country skiing, he needed a lot of support when he came to other departments to provide information about products and explain how to use or present them. However, we were compensated for this with a grant from the Social Ministry.”

“Throughout this whole period, we were supported by the service provider who introduced us to the two adolescents. They helped us to combine our expectations with the requirements of the vocational school. They created product posters for the school, practised presenting goods and repeated specialist knowledge of materials. This allowed us to concentrate on making progress in our daily work as sales educators. I was relieved that it wasn’t obligatory for them to go through all the departments. They could focus on the department they liked best. Interestingly, for both of them it was mountain sports. They were impressive in their ability to present shoes to customers in a sporty, casual way using one hand while supporting themselves with the other.”

“Simon’s workplace was adapted by installing a camera and screen on his table to make it easier for him to read lower-case letters and numbers.’ This adaptation was financed partly by the insurance company, the local state, and the Social Ministry. Reinhard did not require any adaptations.”

“After completing their apprenticeships, we hired them both as regular employees. Compared to Simon, Reinhard took a few more years to complete his apprenticeship. That was more than ten years ago, and they both still enjoy working here. Simon advises customers on mountain sports equipment. This includes mountain boots, backpacks, sleeping bags, and anything else related to mountain sports. Reinhard specialises in selling mountaineering items, which involves advising customers, ordering items, replenishing merchandise and labelling products.”

“We can still count on the support of the service provider. We are happy with their expertise and proactive approach. At the same time, however, we hardly make use of it. Reinhard and Simon can contact them if they have any questions.”

“Simon and Reinhard are now fully integrated into the company.’ If a suitable candidate emerges, however, we are open to hiring somebody who needs support again. Naturally, this requires a certain amount of effort, but the job market as a whole is very challenging when it comes to finding qualified employees.”

“We have now reaped the benefits of this decision. We would definitely do it again. We now employ four people with disabilities. In fact, we ask our service provider to introduce people with disabilities to job vacancies in our company. I would strongly encourage my fellow employers to create inclusive workplaces. It enriches society, the team and the entire company. It is also worthwhile economically.”