Mechanical troubleshooting in production, programming, and creating circuit diagrams: the training program for mechatronics apprentices is extensive as it is varied. When KLINGER Dichtungstechnik decided to offer an apprenticeship program four years ago, the wide range of training requirements presented a number of challenges, as René Blumauer, Technical Manager at KLINGER Dichtungstechnik, recalls: “To convey the apprenticeship program’s content as effectively as possible, we decided to cooperate with other companies.” This led to the collaboration of KLINGER Fluid Control and Berndorf Sondermaschinenbau.
Contacts mentioned in the article:
René Blumauer, Technical Manager at KLINGER Dichtungstechnik
Ernst Schäfer, Technical Managing Director at KLINGER Dichtungstechnik
Cross-Company Apprenticeship
While two apprentices acquired the basics of electrical engineering at Berndorf Sondermaschinenbau, their training in computer-aided turning and milling on CNC systems as well as the basics of machining technology took place at KLINGER Fluid Control. Mechanical and electrical troubleshooting in production, PLC programming, graphical representation using 3D software, the creation of circuit diagrams and the assembly of system components were taught directly on site at KLINGER Dichtungstechnik. Tom Pierre Weidermann, who started his apprenticeship at KLINGER Dichtungstechnik four years ago, has acquired additional skills in the process: By the end of his apprenticeship, he had attended courses in motivation, business administration, social media, welding processes (MIG, MAG and TIG) and acquired a forklift driver’s license.
Coming to Stay
Naturally, you do your best to hold on to young talent of his ilk. “We train apprentices to replenish our team of skilled workers who then meet the job requirements for positions at KLINGER Dichtungstechnik,” says Ernst Schäfer, Technical Managing Director at KLINGER Dichtungstechnik. Two apprentices were therefore taken on four years ago to evaluate the effectiveness of the training program. And the results are positive, with Tom Pierre having been offered a permanent position. His fellow apprentice, Raphael Dragosits, also shows promise. He, too, could join the payroll at KLINGER Dichtungstechnik after successfully completing the program. With this initiative, KLINGER Dichtungstechnik aims to counteract the ongoing shortage of skilled workers.
Recognition from the Lower Austrian Economic Chamber
“Our training strategy has proven worthwhile, as Tom Pierre’s successful final exam has shown. That’s why we are considering taking on further apprentices for a new training cycle. We are very proud of our achievements in this area to date,” says Rene. The Lower Austrian Economic Chamber also expressed its praise, recognizing KLINGER Dichtungstechnik as a “top training company” for their achievements at the site.
Fact box
Tom Pierre Weidermann
The newly qualified journeyman has always enjoyed working with electronics. Having then also learned about mechatronics at technical college, he discovered his passion for metal and machining. His assessment after a successful apprenticeship: “The people here are friendly, helpful and, above all, very experienced. In my training, I learned something new from every single member of the team.”
Fact box
Raphael Dragosits
He has always enjoyed mathematics and programming. On learning that mechatronics had a lot to do with his favorite subjects, it was clear to him that he had chosen the right apprenticeship. Now in his third year’s training at KLINGER, he has already completed several modules, including at our cooperation partner Berndorf Sondermaschinenbau.
