Interview with Christina Weidmann

Ms Weidmann originally completed her studies in tourism and hotel administration. After a year in hospitality, she worked in the operations centre of an IT firm. Later she discovered her true passion for teaching when she switched to the company’s training department. Since then she has remained loyal to her field of specialisation and has carried out various training programs for the companies Diversey and AMAG. Ms Weidmann has been running the Academy of Wetrok AG since 2018, and still finds her job “super cool”.

Would you mind presenting the academy in two or three sentences?
We communicate specialist knowledge for professional cleaning that allows employees in the sector to perform their jobs properly. In the process, we follow the motto: “Learning while having fun”. The goal of the academy is to impart a sense of enjoyment in work and above all appreciation for that work.

How long has the academy existed?
The Wetrok Academy in Kloten has existed since 2000. Before then it was a smaller training centre in Oerlikon.

Why did Wetrok decide to establish an academy?
Because our field is professional cleaning rather than just tidying up at home, some knowledge is required about the materials, products and machines as well as how to use them. This knowledge is transmitted in our courses so that the participants can become trained specialists.

Who is the academy meant for? Who is its target group?
Anyone who works in the cleaning industry and wants to build up, expand and skilfully apply their specialist knowledge.

A lot of staff who work in cleaning speak foreign languages. Do you offer special courses for them?
Yes, we also offer our introductory courses for foreign language speakers. We teach these courses with fewer participants and adapt the pace. Participants are also allowed to use their own translation tools, for example on their phones.

Which modules are included in your training concept?
We offer an introductory course (Basics of maintenance cleaning) which imparts basic knowledge about professional cleaning. This course is very well attended, both by professionals entering the cleaning industry from other sectors and by experienced cleaning personnel. As an extension, we offer the follow-up course “Basics of intermediate cleaning and deep cleaning”. We also offer both of these courses for foreign language speakers.

These are followed by specialised courses for special floor coverings (wood, textile or stone), disinfection and hygiene in daily cleaning. These courses are full-day seminars for prospective experts.

You even offer a masters course. Would you mind speaking briefly about that?
The masters course includes the courses mentioned above along with the special courses “Successful leadership and organisational skills” and “Cleaning organisation, planning and calculation”. The prerequisites for the masters course are at least two years of practical experience with professional cleaning, as well as with handling cleaning equipment and machines.

With our masters course, which we have been running for several years now, we provide participants with a verification that they possess specialist knowledge in cleaning so they can apply for jobs successfully. Our masters course is recognised in the industry and considered a quality seal.

Do you also offer custom courses for companies?
Yes, we offer on-site courses all over Switzerland and in neighbouring countries (Germany, Austria and Italy). Here, companies can choose between half-day or full-day seminars. We are able to conduct the courses in German, French, Italian or English.

What are the biggest challenges during training?
The fact that participants speak different languages can sometimes be a challenge for us as course directors. Our courses are structured to alternate between theory and practice, so that students can directly put what they have learned into practice.

Why should people attend your courses?
Because they are fun, and you obtain knowledge and tools for professional cleaning along the way. Anyone who is willing to dive in and learn is welcome at the Academy.