We train apprentices – out of conviction
For us, training apprentices means above all taking responsibility for the future. For the future of the young people and for the future of our constantly growing company.
Therefore, as a recognized IHK (Chamber of Industry and Commerce) training company, we annually offer apprenticeships in the following occupational fields to interested students who have the necessary qualifications.
Unfortunately, all apprenticeships for the start of 2022 are already taken.
The apprenticeship usually lasts three and a half years and consists of theoretical instruction at school and practical training in the company. During the training period, apprentices are supervised in the company by certified training officers. They impart both theoretical and practical knowledge, draw up deployment plans and are the main point of contact for questions and problems.
The beginning of an exciting career
A field report: Apprenticeship as a chemical technician
Sören Kühn has successfully completed his 3 ½-year apprenticeship as a chemical technician at Vantage and has now started work as a plant operator in production at the Leuna site. In an interview, he talks about his experiences during the apprenticeship and enthusiastically describes his new tasks.
What did you particularly like about training as a chemical technician?
I had very good instructors both at school and in the company. I really enjoyed putting what I had learned in theory into practice and experiencing chemical production "up close and personal". The job is very exciting because the activities are so varied. I was able to get to know all five production lines during my training. The colleagues are very nice; you can feel a great team spirit and a lot of passion for the work.
You have now started as a plant operator. What are your tasks in this position?
Depending on the shift, I work either inside in the control room or outside in production. In the control station, the team controls the production processes and checks parameters such as temperature, pressure and flow rate. So you spend a lot of time in front of computers. Outside on the production lines, my colleagues and I monitor the production processes and ensure that the quality parameters are met. A typical task, for example, is taking samples for quality control of raw materials or finished products. It is also important to detect malfunctions in the plant at an early stage so that countermeasures can be taken quickly. And last but not least, filling drums and tank trucks is also one of my tasks.
What are you most looking forward to in your new job?
I'm very glad that I learned such an exciting and varied profession. Now that the apprenticeship is over, I can fully enter professional life and gain work experience. At Vantage Leuna, there are many opportunities for further development. In the future, I'd like to train to become an industrial foreman so that one day I can become a shift supervisor. In the long term, I aspire to be a production manager.
What advice would you like to give to future apprentices?
A good secondary school diploma is important to get a training position as a chemical technician. I would advise interested students to inform themselves well in advance about the profession and the company. After all, you work with chemicals in this profession. You don't need to be afraid of that, because you learn how to handle them with respect and care. In general, you should also have an interest in science subjects, such as mathematics, physics and chemistry. And it helps if you are handy and, above all, enjoy working in a team.
