The profession of industrial mechanic is exciting and varied. The apprenticeship program includes a lot of hands-on work, as the job description involves not only organizing and monitoring production processes but also manufacturing and assembling machines. At STAHL, apprentices learn the necessary practical skills in the training workshop so they are fully prepared for the demands of their daily work.
The shortage of skilled workers is particularly acute in metalworking trades, which is why STAHL places great emphasis on training the qualified mechanics of tomorrow in-house. Volker Erbele has been the training manager for industrial mechanics at STAHL for many years and is pleased to currently be mentoring nine apprentices in his training workshop. As a volunteer Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK) examiner, he knows how important it is to support the next generation: „To counteract the shortage of skilled workers, we decided nearly 10 years ago to further expand our training department.“ The training workshop is the heart of the company’s vocational training program, as it’s here that the trainees have the opportunity to gain practical experience and try their hand at various tasks.
Working Independently in the Training Workshop
STAHL’s training workshop is equipped with a total of three group workstations, each featuring four workbenches. This provides ample space for twelve trainees to gain hands-on experience with various manufacturing processes. In the training workshop, trainees learn the classic manufacturing processes of turning, milling, drilling, and grinding using two milling machines, two drill presses, a lathe, and a surface grinder. As early as the first few weeks of their training, the apprentices produce turned parts such as hinge pins or bolts with external threads. Those who are further along in their training tackle tasks related to the maintenance of production machinery, repairs, and fixture construction. As part of project-based work, the apprentices are able to independently find solutions to the problems presented and exercise their creativity in the process.
Carry out your own projects and try new things
During the first half of the three-and-a-half-year training program, the aspiring industrial mechanics first learn the basics of metalworking before moving on to the practical implementation of their first independent project in parts manufacturing. After passing their first exam, they move on to the production area. Here, the trainees are free to choose their own areas of focus and explore their interests. They are mentored by „mentors“ from STAHL’s team of mechanics, ensuring that an experienced expert is always on hand to offer advice and support. As a trainer, Volker Erbele is always there for the young people and provides support where needed. „Working together is a fundamental experience in the training workshop,“ says Erbele. The skilled workers assign tasks to the trainees when, for example, they need a specific tool. Then they coordinate with each other: What should the tool look like? What function should it serve? Through this project-based work, the apprentices gain practical experience and learn to work as a team. After rotating through various departments, such as raw parts production or machine assembly, the aspiring industrial mechanics finally prepare for their final exam.
Not a trace of boredom
Anyone doing an apprenticeship as an industrial mechanic at STAHL is guaranteed never to get bored. A wide range of manufacturing techniques is required in production; the focus here is on bending and forming metal, but working with robotics and CNC technology are also part of the job. „You’re constantly given new tasks that you’ve never done before,“ explains Volker Erbele. The versatility of the role and the opportunity to work for a reliable, mid-sized employer are major advantages of the apprenticeship program at STAHL. After all, the goal is to retain these trained specialists within the company. There’s a wide range of opportunities available, depending on the interests of the former apprentices: Industrial mechanics can be hired as production workers for machine assembly or parts manufacturing (production); working in customer service or as technical support representatives for customers is also an option, as is working in the areas of development or maintenance.