Three years ago Phil Radek and Jonas Everding started their apprenticeship as construction mechanics / equipment engineering. Their preconditions could not be more different.
Jonas Everding went through various internships in the automotive and model building sector during his school time at IGS Stadthagen, thus developing his career wish towards technical design. With the new goal in mind, motivation and ambition increased, which naturally had a positive influence on his school grades. When MINDA offered him an apprenticeship, he seized the opportunity of a job. "That was the best decision I could have ever made," he proudly sums up with a satisfied smile today.
After the end of his first apprenticeship, Phil Radek, a trained process mechanic, found that his work tasks were too one-sided and that his interest was more in metalworking. He quickly decided with great enthusiasm to do a second apprenticeship at MINDA.
Trainer Axel Brandt-Müller took both under his wing and soon realized that he had two trainees who were willing to learn and quickly proved themselves in practice. He specifically motivated the boys and gave tips on where they had to try even harder.
They quickly got to know the company MINDA and became familiar with the working processes. While trainees from other companies first went through an apprenticeship workshop, the two “Mindaners” gained direct experience in production and were allowed to travel to customer construction sites from the second year of their apprenticeship. They were supported in their work by the journeymen and also on construction sites they were not "left alone" by their colleagues.
Phil Radek throws in convincingly during conversation: "Learning only begins at the construction site. You assume much more responsibility for your work." He also adds that it is a good feeling if the line is completely running. And Jonas Everding adds: "At customer's site, you first see which fine details of the components are to be observed.” Their work has also changed the relationship to everyday products: "Corrugated board is no longer just a cardboard box. We are now aware of the extensive manufacturing process behind it."
When the time came to prepare for the exams, the trainees could count on their trainer, even if he would sometimes preferred to have more time for his protégés. But he also looks after a large number of trainees from different years of apprenticeship in addition to many other tasks. But his boys also mastered this situation by exchanging information and supplementing their knowledge. That's the same in theory: "Jonas and Phil really got stuck into it," Axel Brandt-Müller says.
Thus the way to the exams was mastered together and now both construction mechanics can proudly look back on their very good apprenticeship results.
But actually it is only just beginning for the boys: Phil Radek is looking forward to interesting installations to gain even more professional experience. Until now, far away installations were not possible due to the weekly theory day. However, after the completion of the apprenticeship this will now change.
Jonas Everding will complete his vocational baccalaureate in one year's time, in order to begin a practice-integrated course of study at the FH Bielefeld, on the Minden campus, in autumn 2021. It is his goal to settle down at MINDA in design or development after his studies. During his studies he will have the time to find his right place at MINDA.
Last but not least, the two fresh construction mechanics also have tips for other interested people:
It is not advisable to be a lone fighter, but one should be ready for teamwork. The desire to work is extremely important. But in the end you are really proud of yourself if the result works. "It's a great feeling to see how timber products are produced on such a large line and you were there during the installation and made your contribution".
