Hello Julian, how do you spend your free time?

In my free time, I like to play football and in winter I'm a passionate skier. In addition, I volunteer for children's and youth work in the region. Every year, the sports club organizes a tent camp for young people, and the church also takes its confirmation candidates on the so-called "Konfi-Freizeit". I work as a counselor at both events, and that's always a lot of fun.

You already completed your training as a mechatronics engineer in 2015. Can you give us some general information about the training?

Mechatronics engineer is a combination of electronics technician and industrial mechanic. As a mechatronics technician, you are responsible for both electrical and mechanical repairs, maintenance, installations and commissioning of our machines in the clean room.

A repair takes place when a machine has a malfunction or is even defective. In the case of a malfunction, the cause must first be found and then eliminated. In the case of a defect, on the other hand, it is sometimes necessary to replace a component. Maintenance must be carried out at regular intervals so that repairs and thus malfunctions are kept to a minimum. Installation includes, among other things, the setup of operating software or connection to the network. During commissioning, the machine is switched on after it has been completely installed and connected.

How did your training at RAUMEDIC go?

My apprenticeship as a mechatronics technician lasted 3.5 years and requires a good qualified secondary school diploma.

As a mechatronics technician, I only work day shifts. I am entitled to 30 days of vacation per year and have the opportunity to reduce any overtime by taking days off.

During my training, I alternated between vocational school, the training workshop in Rehau and my company. In the training workshop, the trainee receives practical training in close connection with the work processes. To some extent, I also took basic courses there that were relevant to my training and my further professional life.

There are no department changes in this occupational field. You are permanently assigned to the locksmith's shop and electrical workshop, where you get a comprehensive insight into the world of work.

Here at RAUMEDIC, there is a so-called mentor program, which means that you are assigned a colleague for the entire duration of your training who will accompany you everywhere. The daily tasks are then carried out under the supervision and with the support of the assigned "mentor".

What is it like with vocational school? Where and how often do you have classes?

Classes are held at Vocational School 1 in Bayreuth . At that time, I still had school once a week. In the meantime, classes are held in blocks at different intervals.

The theoretical content is taught at the vocational school. The practical skills are deepened in the company. During the school year, impromptu assignments and school work are written.

 At vocational school, I had subjects such as mechanics, electrical engineering, and automation technology, as well as general education subjects such as English, religion, and German.

At the end of the second year of training, I took the Part 1 final exam, which counted for 23% of the overall result. The Part 2 final examination then follows at the end of the training. It is divided into a practical part and a technical discussion.

What did you enjoy most during your training?

I always had a lot of fun commissioning and installing various machines. For example, I installed electrical and compressed air lines and programmed controls.

What should someone bring with them for training as a mechatronics technician?

Manual dexterity and an interest in manual work are definitely very important for training as a mechatronics technician. Physics and math are also essential. In order to be able to program the machines, a certain understanding of IT is also advantageous.

My tip is: definitely do an internship! In my opinion, it's an important part of the career-finding process. By gaining an insight into the day-to-day work and the team, you will be able to better assess whether the profession is right for you and whether you enjoy it. This gives you the opportunity to get and give honest feedback.

What other options do you have after the apprenticeship?

After the apprenticeship there is the possibility of further training within the company through specialization courses to become a specialist or, on the other hand, further training to become a technician. At RAUMEDIC, however, you first have to decide on a specialization, either electrical engineering or mechanics

Why did you decide to train at RAUMEDIC back then?

I found the products and their variety very interesting. In addition, we help many people with our products. RAUMEDIC was already very familiar to me at that time, also due to the connection to the REHAU Group. After I liked the internship and was impressed by the large machine fleet, the decision was pretty easy.

You have been with RAUMEDIC for almost 10 years now. What do you particularly like here?

I've just always felt super comfortable in the team and found the working atmosphere pleasant. After work, I often meet up with my colleagues for bowling or a beer. We all have a friendly relationship with each other, which means that we also get on very well together at work.

Thank you very much for your insights Julian! We wish you continued fun at work and with all your hobbies!