Trainees run the show
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The early shift at the post office in Biel-Mett begins at 6.30am. -
The counters open to the public at 7.30am and the advertising panels are taken outside. -
Setting the time on the post mark. -
A trainee at the counter is advised by her coach. -
Parcels are sorted and prepared for the customers to pick them up. -
Seeking help from a coach to put the letters into the right PO box. -
The clients can rely on a team of motivated apprentices and their coaches. -
Many clients still have their payments recorded in a yellow booklet. -
The parcel is marked with a pick-up deadline. -
Wrong address! These envelopes get a special sticker. -
The proverbial stamp of approval. -
The office in Biel is on the language border. The trainess read and speak German and French. -
The sponges used to moisten stamps are washed every day. -
After the office closes everything is put back in its place - ready for the next day.
The teenagers feel motivated by the added responsiblity.
This content was published on October 25, 2010
The post office in Biel-Mett is run entirely by a team of trainees. The innovative programme was launched in 2008 and is in place in eight offices across the country. (Pictures: Daniel Rihs, pixsil)
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