Apprenticeship & studies

Mechatronics in Böhlerwerk firmly in female hands

18-year-old Alma proves that technology is not just a man's job. As a budding mechatronics technician at voestalpine Precision Strip in Böhlerwerk, she works with a wide variety of mechatronic systems.

The apprenticeship she started in retail was not the right fit for Alma. An acquaintance finally gave her the idea that she might like mechatronics - "and it was a really good fit," says the Amstetten native with a smile. The 18-year-old particularly appreciates the variety: "Turning, milling, electrical work, pneumatics - I actually do something different every day, so I never get bored."

Where Alma will be employed later on will be decided during the last year of her apprenticeship. The apprentices are presented with vacant apprenticeship positions in the company by the respective production managers. Both sides can then make their wishes known - in the best case, there is a "match".

As a mechatronics technician, I read technical plans, manufacture and maintain mechatronic parts, components and systems for machine, plant and equipment construction.

Alma, 18, Lehrling bei der voestalpine

Alma is currently in her second year of training, but she already knows exactly what she wants to do next: "I'm doing the apprenticeship with a school-leaving certificate, then I want to work in the company for a few years and then go to university. Later I would like to come back to voestalpine."

Until then, she is the only girl in her apprenticeship year: "It's a bit exhausting from time to time, but also quite fun - it's like having 90 brothers," she laughs. "But I'm glad to have a few 'sisters' in other apprenticeships and years."

Apprenticeship at voestalpine

Around 140 young professionals are being trained at the voestalpine sites in Lower Austria. There are around 20 apprenticeships to choose from.

All information at www.voestalpine.com/lehre