Six new apprentices at Getzner Werkstoffe in Buers

Vibration protection specialists train the next generation

02.09.15

Buers, Austria. In September, six young people will start their apprenticeships at Getzner Werkstoffe in Buers. A total of eleven apprentices will be employed at the company, ranging in roles from industrial management assistant through to positions in the Chemical Laboratory Technology, Metal Technology and IT departments. Some of the apprenticeships are also structured according to the rotation method.

On 1 September 2015, six new apprentices will arrive for their first day at Getzner in Buers. In addition to the five apprentices already learning their trade, the vibration protection specialists have taken on two chemical laboratory technicians, two industrial management assistants, a metal technician and an IT engineer. From the autumn, the metal technician apprentices will be the first to have the option of studying the extra module "Automation engineering" at Getzner, which will add six months to the usual apprenticeship period of three and a half years. Some of the apprentices will also be completing a rotation course. This means that they will spend several months at a time working in different departments of the company, thus ensuring that they gain a comprehensive insight into the various fields of work at Getzner.

Apprentices at Getzner

Through their exposure to the various operations within the company, the apprentices can form an impression of which areas interest them the most. The rotation principle also ensures a great deal of variety in their work. Every apprentice has the opportunity to remain with the company after the end of their apprenticeship. "During their apprenticeships the young people establish many contacts in the company and are fully integrated into the team by the time their training is complete. With the skills and knowledge they have obtained, they are a valuable asset to the company," explains Reinhard Gantner, apprenticeship officer at Getzner.

Support and ongoing development as central objectives

Getzner sees the support and ongoing professional development of its employees as one of its principle objectives. The range of educational studies open to apprentices includes courses on the "financial driving licence" and workshops on social media. We also promote the development of social skills and provide education on alcohol, smoking and drugs in collaboration with Supro, an organisation that highlights the dangers of addiction. "At Getzner, an apprenticeship means inspiring, supporting and helping our apprentices to achieve self-reliance - even if mistakes may be made along the way. However, it is also important for our apprentices to enjoy their work," says Markus Starl, apprenticeship officer for Chemical Laboratory Technology. Special incentives, such as performance bonuses and other additional benefits strengthen motivation. Football tournaments, trips and other joint activities promote team spirit while the wide range of opportunities for professional development complete the training programme.