First generation of the Trainee Program shares experiences and advises the new cohort

The first edition of the new Trainee Program concluded in the second semester of 2024.

From left to right: Lincoln dos Santos, Eduardo Bertoletti, and William Zendrini

In 2023, HPB launched a new Trainee Program. The two-year schedule allowed participants to rotate through most areas of the company, such as Product Engineering, Applications, Sales, Electrical & Automation, Project Management, Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing, Product Quality, and Assembly.

Additionally, periodic mentoring sessions with company directors were organized, providing guidance and unique experiences for the trainees’ development.

The completion of the first edition in the second semester of 2024 resulted in three permanent employees: Eduardo Bertoletti, Lincoln dos Santos, and William Zendrini.

Reflecting on the last two years, Eduardo recalls his expectations when joining the selection process: "I hoped to learn many new things and develop my interpersonal skills, which are two fundamental points in a career. Usually the focus is on technical knowledge, but if you don’t know how to communicate well with someone, the work won’t succeed. Above all, a company is made up of the people who are in it."

Lincoln’s main memory before starting the Program was the excitement of exploring all areas and absorbing as much knowledge as possible: "I knew I couldn’t become an expert in every department during the rotation, so I focused on understanding how things worked."

William remembers being excited about everything the Program offered but gained more confidence seeing senior leadership directly involved: "I was already interested in the company and liked the thermal area, but attending the in-person interview and seeing that important people took time to get to know us made me feel more welcomed and motivated."

The trio agrees that the Program met expectations and was essential for performing their current roles. Highlights included gaining a general understanding of the company and the direct functions of each employee, acquired through rotation, and field experience and client interactions, observed during strategic meetings.

With the start of a new Trainee Program, Eduardo advises newcomers to make the most of every area: "Learn at least the basics of each area, make friends, and get to know the people, because you will know exactly who can help you handle specific problems."

Lincoln’s advice encompasses both professional and personal aspects: "Seek learning, show interest, but don’t focus solely on technical knowledge, because each area has a lot to offer. Learn the processes and how the company operates. And don’t compare yourself with other trainees; each person has unique qualities and will stand out in their own way, but there is room for everyone."

William believes the best advice is: don’t stay still: "The Program is structured to provide all the necessary support, but it doesn’t perform miracles, and much depends on your own performance. Seek, learn, and remember that the focus of these two years is learning."