Interview with Leon Trabert - Apprentice process mechanic for plastics and rubber technology
Why did you apply to W.AG?
I’ve always been more of a craftsman and therefore knew that training in the commercial sector was out of the question for me.
When I then learnt that W.AG also offers training for various professions in the industrial sector, I did an internship to take a closer look at the company.
During the internship, I got to know all the processes and then realised that I enjoyed working as a process mechanic for plastics and rubber technology and could imagine doing this job in the future.
After talking to the production manager and trainer, I became even more interested in this job, which is why I finally applied.
How would you describe W.AG as an employer?
I would say that W.AG is a medium-sized company with a family atmosphere. This is reflected in the fact that you actually know almost everyone in the company and are on first-name terms with almost all colleagues. The employees get on with each other and often make jokes, which means it never gets boring.
In addition to having fun with colleagues, there is of course also fun at work. As there is always work to do, it never gets boring here either.
How does the team work together?
As already mentioned, the teamwork is very informal and fun, but support is also very important to us. If I have any problems, I can turn to my colleagues at any time, who then support me so that I can solve the problems well. My colleagues also try to help me with any questions I have about the theory of the school, even if this is not part of their job. However, the fact that you are directly integrated into the team at W.AG and the co-operation within the company in general describes it best.
What were the highlights of your apprenticeship?
A clear highlight for me was when the new injection moulding machine was delivered. I was taken along to help set it up and was able to see how the machines that I normally set up and make ready for operation are assembled. I was then able to ask all sorts of questions that interested me – it’s not every day that you get the chance to do that. Finally, I was even allowed to be the first setter to set up and run in the machine. That was a definite highlight for me, something you don’t get to do very often. Especially not when you consider that I was still in my first year of training at the time.
What characterises W.AG? Would you recommend an apprenticeship at W.AG?
So I would say W. AG is characterized above all by the fact that great importance is attached to the qualification and satisfaction of the employees. We trainees and also the normal employees regularly receive external training courses in order to further qualify ourselves. For us trainees, the focus is of course on completing the training and the final exam in the best possible way.
In terms of the commercial sector, in my opinion, W. AG is characterized by the fact that everything is located at one location, which also makes it clear that there is a great deal of knowledge in the various areas. This gives you the opportunity to take a closer look at many different areas that you would not otherwise see.
For example, I was allowed to work in our tool shop for a few weeks in order to get more information about the tools I set up on the machines. That‘s why I would definitely recommend an apprenticeship with W. AG. Here you can learn a lot and look at many different production areas that you would not get to know as a normal process mechanic.
What's your day-to-day work like?
My day actually always starts with passing through the previous shift. Here it is clarified which tasks have been completed and which are still to be done for the day. Thus, to a certain extent, a plan emerges, which tasks still have to be done during the day. Of course, there are always additional tasks that cannot be planned in the morning. But that‘s what makes it so interesting, because it always gives you variety at work and allows you to master many different tasks.
All in all, however, we carry out the typical tasks of a process mechanic. I upgrade and downgrade machines by installing the tools required for the job in the machine. For this I connect the cooling hoses and make some fine adjustments. In the optimal case, the suitcases come out of the machine well, otherwise it is just readjusted again.
When the machine has been set up by me, then comes the satisfaction. When the first ready-made suitcase half-shells come out of the machine and you realize that everything worked out, it motivates you quite a bit.