What did you do before your apprenticeship and why did you choose this apprenticeship?
After secondary school I obtained my technical college entrance qualification at the information and communications technology vocational college. Other apprentices at Pilz started their apprenticeship after obtaining their intermediate secondary certificate or did their higher education entrance qualification. I've always found computers, the way they operate, and their programming exciting. So it was clear that I also wanted to go in this direction with my career.”
What practical tasks can an apprentice expect during their training at Pilz?
“In IT, as an apprentice you get an insight into all areas of the department. You work with colleagues in first level support, set up computers, but also provide support with the network team and in projects.”
Which departments will an apprentice progress through in the course of their training?
“I actually spent most of my apprenticeship in IT. I was also in other departments, such as sales, quality management and finance, and I could also get a quick taste of the other departments, so that by the end I had a good overview of all areas”.
What has been your personal highlight in your apprenticeship?
For us apprentices, the time after the 2019 cyber attack was a very exciting time, even though it was a serious attack on our company. We were fully involved in rebuilding the IT landscape, had many responsible tasks, and so were able to support the department really well.”
How do you find the work environment at Pilz?
“I find the work environment at Pilz very pleasant. My colleagues are happy to help with any questions and, as an apprentice in IT, you get to know a large part of the workforce, because everyone has an IT question at some time.”
What do you like in particular about your apprenticeship at Pilz?
“The best things are the wonderful colleagues and pleasant work environment. Flexible working hours allow me to easily juggle training and hobbies. When working on tasks and in projects, I can join in the decision-making and I have the support of experienced colleagues at all times. I also think it’s great that we were all given our own laptop for our work, which we could also use during our time at vocational school. Quite simply, whatever’s going on, we are well looked after.”
What are you likely to do next, when you’ve finished your apprenticeship?
“After the apprenticeship I would really like to continue working in IT at Pilz, and maybe later have further training specifically in my chosen field.”
What would you recommend to future apprentices?
“You should definitely have an interest in the functionality of computers, networks and programming. But even if you are fairly new to this, it’s not a problem. Some basic knowledge in advance will of course be beneficial, in school and in the business.”