What did you do before your apprenticeship and why did you choose this apprenticeship?
“Before starting my apprenticeship at Pilz I did my intermediate leaving certificate. Some of the other apprentices started with a higher education or technical college entrance qualification.
I decided on this apprenticeship because I have always had a good technical understanding. In technology lessons at secondary school I always really enjoyed working with electronic components, soldering irons and circuits.”
What practical tasks can an apprentice expect during their training at Pilz?
“There is a wide variety of tasks during the training programme. You work in different departments during the apprenticeship and so you are given the widest range of tasks. For example, in the training workshop I built a demo case for a new product, which our colleagues in external sales are now using on customer visits. Another task as I progressed through the departments was to develop, build, program and assemble a traffic light to control through-traffic on a staircase. We learn how to repair our products, and also how to program the Pilz controllers.”
Which departments will an apprentice progress through in the course of their training?
“As you progress through the departments you also spend time in production, where you get to know the basic procedure for the production lines and logistics. Then, in production technology, you learn more about the backgrounds and procedures of the various production and logistics processes. Apprentices also spend time in other departments, such as Customer Support International, where you learn more about our own products, or product development.”
What has been your personal highlight so far in your apprenticeship?
"My personal highlight was participating in ARENA2036. ARENA2036 stands for “Active Research Environment for the Next Generation of Automobiles”. It is a research campus at Stuttgart University in which various companies, including Pilz, are involved.”
How do you find the work environment at Pilz?
“The work environment is very pleasant. As an apprentice you are fully involved in the departments; you feel like a fully-fledged member of the team, right from the start.”
What do you like in particular about your apprenticeship at Pilz?
“I really appreciate the variety in the training, and the fact that you are involved in lots of exciting projects. As an apprentice you can learn a great deal from the extensive knowledge of our colleagues in safe automation. Also, I find it extraordinary that, even in difficult economic times, all apprentices are made a job offer, and that Pilz continues to want to train so many people. You can feel that Pilz is a family-run business and that training is close to the management’s heart.”
What are you likely to do next, when you’ve finished your apprenticeship?
“After my apprenticeship I will continue to work at Pilz, probably for a year as a technician. Then I would like to undertake more training in electrical engineering. I’ve yet to decide whether that will be in the form of further engineering training or a degree course.”
What would you recommend to future apprentices?
“Technical understanding and an interest in electronics is advisable. Subjects such as maths, physics and technology should be among your favourites, to avoid any unpleasant surprises in the course of your training. Work experience in this or another similar field is always recommended.”