Insight into our Germany site: The industrial mechanic apprenticeship

The apprenticeship as an industrial mechanic at our Germany site offers basic experience in important areas. From day one, the aim is to learn the basics that will later be crucial for working with machines and in industry. An important part at the beginning of the training is the basic course – a kind of "training at the workbench" that helps the trainees to familiarize themselves with the basic skills.

What happens in the basic course?

In the first few weeks, everything revolves around the basics. The trainees not only learn how to use various tools, but also how to work safely and precisely. At the workbench, a lot of practical knowledge is imparted that forms the basis for the entire profession.

1. Mastery of tools and machines:
   In the beginning, the aim is to familiarize yourself with the various hand tools and machines and to teach them how to operate them correctly and safely.
2. Strengthen metalworking skills:
   As an industrial mechanic, working with metal is common, so it's important to practice skills like filing, drilling, and turning. This know-how is a major focus of the training in order to be able to work precisely and reliably later on.
3. Design technical drawings:
   The ability to read and implement technical drawings is essential as an industrial mechanic. Trainees are trained to work with such plans and put them into practice.
4. The art of assembly and disassembly:
   The disassembly and assembly of machines or components is internalized. In the basic course, the trainees practice how to assemble and disassemble components correctly, which is very important for later work in the company.
5. Precise measurement and testing methods:
   To ensure that everything works perfectly, the trainees have to learn how to measure and test components. Accuracy is the be-all and end-all, which is why these skills are also at the forefront of training.

Why is the basic course so important at the beginning of the training?

Without the right skills and techniques as a foundation, it becomes difficult to master the more complex tasks in the company. The course helps the trainees to gain confidence in their abilities and prepares them for working on machines and systems.

In addition, the basic course is a great opportunity to work in a team. Many of the tasks require collaboration, and that's exactly what we're practicing here – an important skill for development at West, as we value a one-west team perspective.

At West, we place a strong emphasis on nurturing the skills that are beneficial to our industry. Our Industrial Mechanics Apprentice is an excellent example of how we invest time and resources to ensure we provide the right education and training for this growth. The first few weeks as an industrial mechanics trainee are crucial to acquire the necessary tools for training and later development.

The basic course at the workbench ensures that the trainees can handle tools safely, understand machines and work precisely. All of this is important in order to be successful as an industrial mechanic later on.

Are you also interested in becoming part of our One West team through an apprenticeship? Take a look at our careers page, where we have listed all open positions including apprenticeships and internships at all our locations: Careers at West: By Your Side for Opportunity | West Pharma