Page 24 - Best of STIL 2018 English

“We feel we’re in good hands at the Group” Four young employees of Salzgitter AG tell us about their training at the Group
IChristopher Bentz: From trainee to project manager
f someone took a glance at my CV, associate at the Technical University of they would be forgiven for think- Dortmund: He completed an 18-month ing that I lead a boring existence,” trainee program at KHS in 2014 and
suspects Christopher Bentz. “From 2015 which took him to Mexico and
kindergarten to school, university and my current job at KHS – it looks as if I’ve never managed to leave Dortmund.” This couldn’t be further from the truth: The 33-year-old loves trying new things, whether it’s traveling to exotic lands or far-off regions, or as part of his job.
One salient example was his decision to make the switch into industry follow- ing time spent as a member of research
ATobias Apenzeller: Practical relevance is important
“Abitur” at high school, the 22-year-old had the chance to take his pick from a range of companies. “I opted for Salzgit- ter Flachstahl because of how special the people are here. The way I was welcomed, as well as the testing procedure clearly set the company head and shoulders above others,” he explains.
In 2014, Tobias Apenzeller began his integrated mechanical engineering degree program with vocational training as an industrial technician. He still recalls his
TKevin Winkler: Research is his main goal
here can be no doubt about it: BVB fan and an avid climber in his free “When a company turns 150 years time – first experienced KHS aged 16 old, it must have done a lot of as part of a two-week work experience
things right,” as Kevin Winkler from placement. He enjoyed his time so much
KHS states. The 23-year-old mechatron- ics engineer has been working on an extra-occupational degree in electronic engineering since September 2017, but he has his sights set firmly on the future. In the medium term, Kevin is aiming for a job in research and development in order to help ensure that “the company remains fit for the future through technological advancement.”
The Dortmund-native – a passionate
that he returned to KHS three years later to apply for a trainee position – success- fully. In his current role in the Labeling Machines department, the early-riser Winkler particularly appreciates the proximity to the finished products - as well as the flexible working hours: “I
can start whenever I want, so I can work my job around my leisure time. As I like clocking in at 6 AM, I usually have a bit more time later on in the day.”
24 TRAINING
the Zinacantepec production site. Initially specialized in optical measur- ing technology, the doctor of electronic engineering now works in the Line Engineering department as a Techni- cal Project Manager for the product configurator. His job is to help design more efficient and customer-friendly processes to ensure KHS is positioned well for years to come.
t the tender age of 14, Tobias practice-based training with enthusiasm: Apenzeller already knew that “You need practical training components he wanted to study mechani- as it really helps to process workpieces
cal engineering. After completing his and machine parts first hand. I always
benefit from the things I learn in prac- tice.”
He specialized in IT and the digitiza- tion of industry within his degree pro- gram. On graduation, he even received special recognition for his test scores. Given his IT knowledge, Tobias is con- vinced that there are lots of fascinating tasks coming his way as part of ongoing shift to Industry 4.0. That’s why he wants to continue working with new technolo- gies for applications in steel production.
Photos: Carsten Brand, KHS