Christmas Market Flair Between Workbenches and CNC Machines

Traditionally, the Plansee Group's training center opens its doors shortly before the first Advent and invites people to get to know the modern and versatile training offered at the Reutte/Breitenwang location. While student groups with their teachers visited on Thursday and Friday, the training center was open to the interested public on Saturday.

A life-sized, neon-orange figure of an apprentice from a 3D printer, a small custom-programmed robotic arm, and CNC machine-made or laser-engraved Christmas tree ornaments as souvenirs for home: On November 30, there was something to discover at every corner of the training center. In addition to interesting insights into the Plansee Group and especially its training offerings, numerous stations offered visitors the opportunity to get hands-on. On Saturday, the open house day, around 600 guests toured the facilities and were introduced by apprentices, trainers, and employees to technical professions, technologies, and products related to tungsten and molybdenum.

With Pride and Confidence

Currently, 120 apprentices are being trained in professions such as metal technology, electrical engineering, process technology, materials technology, and laboratory technology for Plansee and Ceratizit. Joachim Resch, head of vocational training and further education, explained the advantages of such a career path and what the daily life of the apprentices looks like in his lectures. In addition to working and learning in the training workshop and the company's own vocational school, the Plansee Group also values personal development, which is strengthened through excursions and seminars. "Apprentices who are particularly committed and show initiative also have the chance to work at one of our locations worldwide for six weeks and get to know the local culture," reports Resch. Burak Alca, a fourth-year apprentice, gave insights into the time he spent with Olaf Sierck at Plansee USA in Franklin during the open house day.

The highly motivated apprentices proudly demonstrated how to mill, grind, or turn metals; they helped with orientation, at the cloakroom, or at the beverage counter, and confidently answered the questions of curious visitors. They shared their personal journeys with students looking for their next step and encouraged them to consider an apprenticeship.

Experiencing Apprenticeship Life Up Close

The halls of the training center were mainly filled with families of potential future apprentices, employees, or relatives who wanted to see where their son or daughter works and learns daily. Guests took advantage of the numerous experiment stations or had their photos taken in the photo booth. At various information stands, amidst the glowing Christmas tree, the tempting smell of Kässpatzen, and in a family atmosphere, with a view of the snow-covered mountains outside the windows, there was even a bit of Christmas market spirit.

Already on the previous Thursday and Friday, the training center invited nearly 600 students and their teachers from the Außerfern and the neighboring Allgäu to Reutte. They, too, were shown by the apprentices what their work and school day looks like and what the various apprenticeships entail.

Photos: Rolf Marke