Apprenticeship as an industrial mechanic
‘Exemplary in functional prototyping’ Fabian, training as an industrial mechanic at Zeiss
What does an industrial mechanic learn during their apprenticeship?
During my apprenticeship, I’m becoming a multi-talent: the basic metal training programme covers milling, turning, drilling and thread cutting. There I learnt about machine construction, set-up and maintenance. There are also various courses that I took part in, such as bonding, working on the CNC milling machine and laser engraving. I then joined the company here in the second year of my apprenticeship, got to know my department better and am now working under real-time conditions. The apprenticeship lasts a total of three and a half years. I now spend two weeks at the company and one week at the vocational college in Göschwitz – that’s the rhythm.
What is your daily routine like in the functional prototyping department?
I work 7.6 hours a day. In the morning, I have a meeting with my foreman. He gives me the orders that I have to complete during the day. At my workstation, I plan the realisation of the orders, e.g. which tools I need for them. When the parts are ready, I check them and take them to my foreman. They are then measured, taken to the final inspection and delivered. These are, for example, collet holders for lenses in optics, housings or handles for devices or other mechanical parts that are needed in our company.
How can a student prepare for an apprenticeship?
I took part in several school internships in different departments here at the company. I also completed a trial apprenticeship at the Jena training centre. And after the job interview, I had a two-week trial period here at the company. In the end, I was sure that I wanted to work in this department because the work and the production of different prototypes is really very varied.
Where will you be employed after completing your apprenticeship?
Once I have successfully completed the examination, I will be taken on in the functional prototype construction department and trained on a CNC machine. I will then set up the machine and write programmes for the production of parts. I’m really looking forward to it, not least because the working atmosphere here is very good. The employees are like mates and help me wherever they can. Later on, I can
further training to become a technician or master craftsman.
Facts and figures about training as an industrial mechanic
- Duration of the apprenticeship: 3.5 years
- Prerequisites: Secondary school leaving certificate
- Apprenticeship salary: between € 860 and € 1,150 in the industry