TRAINING AND EDUCATION
If someone were to paint a trainer, Olaf Glatzer would
certainly be a good model. The man with the gnarled
moustache, mischievous smile, and sharp look is a true
original who has been responsible for whole generations of
apprentices. He has been with Phoenix Contact since 1975,
learning and practicing his profession of toolmaker here, and
was a training manager for many years.
Today, as head of the entire training workshop, he not
only takes Lars von Lengerich under his expert wing, but
also the entire operation in the sparklingly clean training
hall, including the associated specialist departments. He is
assisted by Martin Heringlake, who is responsible for training
industrial mechanics.
The two warhorses are responsible for ensuring that Lars
van Lengerich learns exactly what he will need to know in
his later fields of responsibility. “In terms of craftsmanship,
that will be much less than ten years ago,” sighs Olaf Glatzer
somewhat regretfully. “Today, 80 to 90 percent of workpiece
machining is done on and by machines. Only about 10 percent
of the work of a toolmaker still requires skilled work.”
“That 10 percent, however, requires a sure instinct,” grins
Martin Heringlake and looks closely at Lars’ fingers as he
clamps his workpiece in the vice. While the young trainee saws
and files, Heringlake explains how Phoenix Contact organizes
the training for our young talent. “The respective departments
plan long-term requirements based on their personnel
structure and register the number of trainees required. We
then train them so that they will be able to perform their tasks
in practice in the best possible way later on.”
Doesn’t that lead to a blinkered education? “No, absolutely
not. Their training follows a regulated curriculum set out by
the Chamber of Industry and Commerce. The only thing that’s
important to us is that our young staff are on the ball not only
in theory, but that they are also able to get down to work with
the machines and their skilled work straight away.”
Tool mechanic – the dream job
Lars van Lengerich knows pretty well what he expects from his
apprenticeship. “I have done several internships previously,
and also did a year’s internship at another company. I am
simply fascinated by working with metal. The craftsmanship
is my thing. And a desk job is out of the question for me.”
The determined aspiring tool mechanic had also gotten
The two experienced instructors know exactly
how to do it. Lars, now just listen!
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UPDATE 5/20
The Phoenix Contact innovation magazine