The craftsmanship component appeals to Lars van Lengerich
“A desk job is out of the
question for me.”
Lars van Lengerich, apprentice toolmaker
Precision and machine knowledge are part of it
to know Phoenix Contact earlier. “I’m from this area, and my
company has a great name here. And so I completed a threeweek
internship here when I was younger.” A good case of
avoiding the pitfall ‘marry in haste, repent at leisure’: The 16-
year old even tried out the Marines, “but that wasn’t for me at
all.” Lars has been a permanent employee of Phoenix Contact
since September 2019, commuting between vocational school,
his specialist department, and the training workshop.
The chips fly
A question for Olaf Glatzer brought on by surprise: Are all
trainees as informed and determined? “A good third are like
Lars. They know exactly what they want and then follow
their path single-mindedly.” But we hear over and over about
declining graduate qualifications, about poor prior education,
and low stamina? “As I said, a third of the trainees are like
Lars. Two thirds need more attention,” says Glatzer, giving
an insight into everyday life. “We are facing great challenges,
because in the coming years a large number of the baby
boomer generation will be retiring. The gaps being left are
widening, and therefore we will have to do a great deal to train
the necessary young talent to become skilled workers.”
For Lars, his new profession is obviously exactly the right
one. He skillfully clamps a workpiece in a lathe, guided by
commentary from Martin Heringlake. Cautiously, the drill
head mills forward and the chips fly. “In my private life, I
am currently constructing a go-cart together with a friend,
so I can apply what I’ve learned right away. And I’m already
looking forward to the upcoming teaching content covering
CNC and welding.” (lo) •
phoenixcontact.com
The Phoenix Contact innovation magazine UPDATE 5/20 35