{"id":5031,"date":"2020-08-24T15:29:40","date_gmt":"2020-08-24T13:29:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/update.phoenixcontact.com\/news\/sawing-for-the-future\/"},"modified":"2020-08-31T15:01:40","modified_gmt":"2020-08-31T13:01:40","slug":"sawing-for-the-future","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/update.phoenixcontact.com\/en\/sawing-for-the-future\/","title":{"rendered":"Sawing for the future"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Filing, milling, drilling, sawing \u2013 just the right thing for Lars van Lengerich. For the 16-year-old apprentice, studying is currently out of the question. During a visit to the apprentice workshop, he reveals why he is at exactly the right address at Phoenix Contact, even with this outlook.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
Lars van Lengerich<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"
Olaf Glatzer<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Strict masters<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
\"\"
Martin Heringlake<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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. \u201cIn terms of craftsmanship, that will be much less than ten years ago,\u201d sighs Olaf Glatzer somewhat regretfully. \u201cToday, 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.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThat 10 percent, however, requires a sure instinct,\u201d grins Martin Heringlake and looks closely at Lars\u2019 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. \u201cThe 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.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Doesn\u2019t that lead to a blinkered education? \u201cNo, absolutely not. Their training follows a regulated curriculum set out by the Chamber of Industry and Commerce. The only thing that\u2019s 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.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tool mechanic \u2013 the dream job<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Lars van Lengerich knows pretty well what he expects from his apprenticeship. \u201cI have done several internships previously, and also did a year\u2019s 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.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n