Profession with future: #ChallengeAccepted

Mathematics and physics have always been her thing. After graduating from high school, the only question was which profession combines both? The answer: Technical Product Designer. Sophie Maier is 19 years old and in her first year of apprenticeship at thyssenkrupp Industrial Solutions in Neubeckum, North-Rhine Westphalia. Here, she learns how to make 3D models of cement factory components.

Sophie enjoys the benefits of a modern training center which thyssenkrupp opened in 2015 and offers ideal conditions for high-quality apprenticeship and development. In the large training center, thyssenkrupp trains apprentices and dual students in technical and commercial occupations to make them fit for everyday working life.

Why did you apply for as apprenticeship as a Technical Product Designer at thyssenkrupp?

The name thyssenkrupp stands for quality and innovation. The company also has a new training center. That’s why I really wanted to come here and do my apprenticeship.

Why did you decide for a craftsman trade?

I wanted a profession that I enjoy. I’ve always been interested in how machines are built, and since mathematics and physics were easy for me at school, the apprenticeship program to become a Technical Product Designer was obvious. Besides, the profession has a future, after all, you will still build machines in 100 years.

How do you like the training center?

Very well. Because there is also a workshop there, so I can pick up materials and learn the profession from scratch. Apart from that, it’s also fun to work practically.

Do you remember the application phase. How did that work out?

It was very uncomplicated. After submitting the documents, I was invited for a written test and an interview. A short time later I was accepted, which of course made me very happy. I also particularly liked the start. Together with the apprentices from the other apprenticeship programs, we went on a trip and were able to get to know each other.

How difficult was the test?

As a prospective Technical Product Designer, you should have an understanding of numbers, formulas and physical quantities anyway, so the test was definitely feasible.

What do you like about the apprenticeship?

thyssenkrupp offers us as apprentices a lot here. There are additional seminars and further training courses on the timetable, which prepare us well for the exam. We are supported in the best way. Learning is also rich in variety. Already in the first year of apprenticeship we have drawn a locking device and do our first project work and thus learn to put our theoretical knowledge into practice.

How is the relationship between you and the vocational trainers?

Very well. We are treated like full-fledged employees. I don’t even notice that I’m still an apprentice. The vocational trainers treat us as colleagues and treat us with great respect. And if there are any questions, we can always knock on their door.

What does an apprenticeship week look like?

In the first year of apprenticeship, we are at the vocational school two days a week and the rest of the week at the training center. During the Corona crisis we were of course in the home office and had tasks to do given by our vocational trainers. In the second year, we then go to the departments and are entrusted with specific tasks.

You did your “Abitur” last year. So it doesn’t have to end after the apprenticeship, what happens then?

I don’t know yet. I might study mechanical engineering or qualify as a technician. But first I’d like to gain some work experience, and since we tapprentices are taken on for a year after the end of the apprenticeshop, I don’t think about that yet.

thyssenkrupp in a word

#stickingtogether