International experience and intercultural competence

The internship is organized by the private vocational school AFBB (Akademie für berufliche Bildung), which all BESCO trainees attend. Coordinators in Malta, Spain, and Ireland find suitable accommodations and companies where the students can live and work during their internship.

The main goal of the internship is to gain international experience, which is particularly valuable in the context of a globalized economy. Living and working in an international environment also enhances the participants’ professional, linguistic, and social skills. Their international internship provides them with the optimal foundation for a successful career. For BESCO trainees, international competencies are crucial, as English skills are essential in the natural stone industry. Many clients, business partners, and company inspectors are located abroad, and communication often occurs in English.

International internship in Malta: Matti’s personal and professional development

Matti gained valuable insights for his professional and personal development through the internship. He improved his English skills and learned to be more open-minded. Exposure to different ways of life and work methods also broadened his horizons. During his internship, Matti assisted with various tasks such as creating insurance applications and general administration.

After work, the trainees had the opportunity to explore the country in their free time. Matti was particularly impressed by the Basilica of Saint George in Gozo, a significant religious and cultural site in Malta. He also found the Blue Lagoon on Comino Island and the picturesque harbor town of Sliema fascinating. Matti encourages anyone interested in an international internship to seize this opportunity: “This chance comes only once in a lifetime. You gain valuable insights into another culture and way of life. And thanks to the sunny weather, you can enjoy numerous activities after work.”

After work, the trainees had the opportunity to explore Malta’s culture and landscape.

BESCO as a Training Company: Vocational Training and Dual Studies

The theoretical foundations are provided to the trainees at the vocational school. During the practical phase at BESCO, trainees learn about purchasing goods, product presentation, inventory management, and sales operations.

In collaboration with the Hochschule für Wirtschaft und Recht (HWR) in Berlin, BESCO also offers a six-semester dual Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a focus on Commerce. The program combines three-month lecture periods with practical placements at BESCO. The focus is on trade marketing, finance, human resources, sales, and management. The practical relevance is enhanced through trade-related projects such as simulation games at the university and the practical phases themselves.

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The Lange Nacht der Wissenschaften 2024 in Berlin once again offered an opportunity to experience the diversity and depth of science up close. Around 60 scientific institutions opened their doors to visitors of all ages, including universities, colleges, museums and research institutes. BESCO provided belgrano® natural stone slabs to the students of the landscape architecture course at the Berliner Hochschule für Technik for the construction of a show garden.

BESCO at the Xiamen Stone Fair in China

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Four BESCO employees from Berlin went on a joint trip to China in March. In Xiamen, a city on the south-eastern coast of China, they were welcomed by four Chinese colleagues who work as inspectors for BESCO. The highlight of the trip was their visit at Xiamen Stone Fair. At the natural stone fair, the BESCO team was able to maintain existing business relationships, develop new international contacts and explore business opportunities. Away from the fair, the team visited various production partners and gained an insight into the country's culture.

BESCO trainees on an excursion to long-established German company TRACO

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They were given an insight into production and were able to see the complete product cycle, from the stone in the quarry to the finished product. The excursion enabled the four trainees, who are completing their training in wholesale and foreign trade at BESCO, to gain an even deeper understanding of the natural stone industry.

From trainee to the top: Florian Geyer becomes Managing Director

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BESCO has completed a generational change: Florian Geyer becomes Managing Director and joins company founders Frank Dickmann and Ulrich Klösser to form the new management team. This marks the start of the rejuvenation of the management team in order to secure the management of the company for the coming decades.