Ralf - Warehouse clerk in fire protection
Ralf has been working in fire safety for over 35 years (!). He has been part of CWS Fire Safety since 2022. He worked as a service technician until 2023 and has been working as a warehouse clerk at the Oberhausen branch ever since. Today he tells us about his journey into fire safety and the challenges he masters as a warehouse clerk.
Ralf's area of responsibility extends far beyond the activities of a warehouse clerk. These include
- Checking and organising stock levels
- Supporting the purchasing department with orders
- Expanding the service vehicles in Fleet Management
- Organisation of occupational safety
- Advising customers (temporary help)
From body and vehicle construction to fire protection
Ralf's professional career as a warehouseman began with vocational training as a body and vehicle builder, which provided him with an ideal foundation for his technically skilled career.
After working as a weapons mechanic in the German Armed Forces and a fitter in the tobacco industry, the warehouseman found his way into fire protection through a friend. ‘Fire protection has enormous value and a high status in society,’ says the warehouse clerk, explaining his quick decision to change careers.
#Safety is a value that we have not only defined for our customers, but also for our employees - a safe workplace, our own safety equipment, etc. are all part of this.
Fun and challenges as a warehouse clerk
What Ralf enjoys most about his job as a warehouse clerk is dealing with people. Through his many years in fire protection, colleagues have become friends. The warehouse clerk still maintains a close friendship with the friend who got him into fire protection. He also enjoys supporting his younger colleagues by sharing his experience and acquired knowledge with them.
#GrowingTogether - supporting each other and growing as a result is another employer value that accompanies us every day.
The warehouse clerk mentions his wide range of tasks as a challenge: ‘My varied activities mean there's something different to do every day.’ However, Ralf is very good at dealing with this. For him, it's ‘healthy stress’.
Great solidarity at the Oberhausen branch
Ralf experienced the strong team spirit within CWS Fire Safety from the very first day of his induction. This was accompanied by his predecessor and supported by the branch and project managers. In line with the motto ‘learning by doing’, the warehouse clerk familiarised himself with his tasks and found his place in the company.
The warehouse clerk feels that the corporate culture is open. ‘People are on first-name terms, there are flat hierarchies and there are regular events.’ At the Oberhausen branch's summer party, employees celebrate together with their families. And even outside of work, colleagues meet up to spend time together: ‘A trip to a driving range to hit a few golf balls is planned for the near future.’
The joint events are a good reflection of our employer value #FeierSafety.
Ralf's tips for future warehouse staff
If Ralf could give one tip to a future warehouse clerk, it would be this: ‘Be diligent and tidy.’ For Ralf, tidiness, cleanliness and a sense of responsibility are top priorities.
Become part of the team
Would you also like to join CWS Fire Safety as a warehouse clerk in fire protection? Take a look at our vacancies or send us your speculative application. We look forward to hearing from you.