Trainees run the show

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The early shift at the post office in Biel-Mett begins at 6.30am.

The counters open to the public at 7.30am and the advertising panels are taken outside.

Setting the time on the post mark.

A trainee at the counter is advised by her coach.

Parcels are sorted and prepared for the customers to pick them up.

Seeking help from a coach to put the letters into the right PO box.

The clients can rely on a team of motivated apprentices and their coaches.

Many clients still have their payments recorded in a yellow booklet.

The parcel is marked with a pick-up deadline.

Wrong address! These envelopes get a special sticker.

The proverbial stamp of approval.

The office in Biel is on the language border. The trainess read and speak German and French.

The sponges used to moisten stamps are washed every day.

After the office closes everything is put back in its place - ready for the next day.

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The teenagers feel motivated by the added responsiblity.

The post office in Biel-Mett is run entirely by a team of trainees. The innovative programme was launched in 2008 and is in place in eight offices across the country. (Pictures: Daniel Rihs, pixsil)