How a job application led to three career paths
Wladimir Iliev has been working at Jungheinrich for eight years. Today, his son Milan and his nephew Damijan are also part of the company. In this interview, they explain how this came about.
Key insights
One career turned into three: the story of Wladimir, Milan and Damijan shows how professional experiences can have an impact across generations.
Enthusiasm is contagious: Milan’s positive experiences during his apprenticeship have also inspired Damijan to join Jungheinrich.
The best recommendation comes from employees: those who enjoy going to work become credible ambassadors for their employer.
On 1 August, numerous young people across Germany will once again be starting their apprenticeships at Jungheinrich. One of them is Damijan Ajdinski. For him, the start of his apprenticeship is something special: with his uncle Wladimir and his cousin Milan, two close family members are already part of the Jungheinrich world.
What began with an application from Wladimir Iliev in 2018 has now become a real family story. Whilst Wladimir now works as a specialist consultant for the Series range in the South Palatinate and Southern Wine Route region, his son Milan began his apprenticeship as an agricultural and construction machinery mechatronics technician in 2025. Now his nephew Damijan is also embarking on his career path at Jungheinrich. In this interview, Wladimir reveals how this came about and why Jungheinrich has long been more than just an employer for his family.
Wladimir, how did you come to join Jungheinrich back then?
I’ve been working at Jungheinrich since 1 July 2018. The Karlsruhe branch was looking for a new dispatcher at the time, and I happened to be looking for a job. I applied straight away and was successful. I was absolutely delighted to be able to join Jungheinrich.
How has your career progressed since then?
I started as a dispatcher, then worked as a service adviser, and now I’m a product line specialist in the Southern Palatinate and Southern Wine Route region. Organisationally, I’m part of the Saarbrücken branch.
Your son Milan started his apprenticeship back in 2025. Now your nephew Damijan is starting too. How did that come about?
Milan and Damijan are exactly one year and two weeks apart. The two of them have always been thick as thieves. Milan is very happy with his apprenticeship, and this enthusiasm naturally rubs off on those around him. I think that’s why Damijan was able to form such a positive impression of the apprenticeship programme at Jungheinrich.
“I’m looking forward to getting to know different areas, gaining practical experience and learning something new every day. I find the opportunity to develop both professionally and personally particularly exciting.” 
Damijan Ajdinski
Why did the two of them choose to become agricultural and construction machinery mechatronics technicians of all things?
Both are quite hands-on and have a knack for practical work; their strengths lie in areas where technical skill, a willingness to get stuck in and a love of getting things done are required.
What does it mean to you personally that Milan and Damijan are now also starting out at Jungheinrich?
Perhaps every father and mother secretly hopes to pass something on – not just a name, but also values, experiences and trust. The fact that my son and my nephew are now both starting out at the same company as I did therefore fills me with a very special sense of pride.
“I’m particularly impressed by the variety of the training programme. I take on responsibility, work on a range of different tasks and find it fascinating to analyse and rectify technical faults. I’ve felt very well supported ever since I started – that gives me confidence.”
Milan Iliev
Did your own experience at Jungheinrich influence their decision?
When young people see someone who has enjoyed going to work for many years and identifies with their employer, it builds trust. I believe it wasn’t my career that influenced them, but the fact that they saw how satisfied I am with my employer.
In your view, what makes Jungheinrich a good company for apprenticeships?
For me, what sets Jungheinrich apart as an apprenticeship provider is, above all, the combination of sound technical training, practical work and long-term development opportunities. Apprentices are given the chance early on to take on responsibility and apply their theoretical knowledge directly in practice.
What advice would you like to give to the next generation of employees?
Stay curious, ask questions and make the most of the chance to learn from experienced colleagues. Nobody expects you to know everything from day one. The important thing is to show interest, be reliable and embrace challenges. Mistakes are part of the process – the key is to learn from them. If you approach your work with commitment, respect and enthusiasm, you’ll have a successful and exciting apprenticeship.
