Apprenticeship programs for the plastics industry: ENGEL empowers young female trainees

The plastics industry is still primarily dominated by men. But change is on the way as more and more women enter career paths in mechatronics, industrial engineering, and mechanical engineering. Campaigns like Girls' Day play a key role in motivating young women to consider jobs in technology. Companies have also changed their approach to getting people of any gender excited about tech-related careers.

In this K-MAG interview, Anna Spiegl and Denise Lettner talk about their apprenticeships at ENGEL, an injection molding machine manufacturer headquartered in Austria. They reveal their plans and goals for the future – and encourage other girls and young women to follow in their footsteps.

Ms. Spiegl, Ms. Lettner, why did you choose to pursue a skilled trades career or technology apprenticeship, respectively?

Anna Spiegl: Ever since I was a kid, I have always been interested in how machines work and how they are made. Thanks to my grandfather and my dad, I learned about electronics and developed a fascination for it.

Denise Lettner: I have also been interested in technology since I was little. I knew early on that I wanted to have a career in technology down the road. As it turned out, I also got interested in information technology and decided to become an IT technician. I did some online research. There weren't many apprenticeships available in my area, but I was instantly drawn to ENGEL.

You are employed by an injection molding machine manufacturer who is part of the plastics industry – what does it mean to you to work in this sector?

Lettner: The plastics industry is an important sector and one of the best in terms of job security, for which I am very grateful.

Spiegl: As a mechatronics technician, I get to see the injection molding process step-by-step. That means I experience the setup and commissioning of an injection molding machine, which is then used to manufacture various plastic products.

What do you like most about your apprenticeship?

Lettner: ENGEL offers an apprenticeship that is multifaceted and exciting. I learn new things every day and discover new systems I need to get familiar with, etc. It never gets boring.

Spiegl: As an apprentice, I appreciate that I get to switch to a different department every 10 weeks. It allows me to explore all aspects of my mechatronics apprenticeship. This will also help us later to choose our target department. I also like the broad range of continuing and professional education opportunities.

Women also belong in technology – and ENGEL is a company that is very committed to empower women in this setting.

Where do you see yourself in five years? What are your plans and goals for the future?

Lettner: Five years from now, I hope I will have successfully completed my apprenticeship. I am currently on track to get my professional maturity certificate (Editor's note: "Matura" is a secondary school exit exam in various European countries including Austria that opens the way to higher professional education including university entrance qualification), which I will hopefully also have successfully completed in five years. I will definitely also take advantage of the many opportunities for career advancement. Time will tell what these are.

Spiegl: My goals for the next five years are like those of others. At that point, I will have obtained my professional maturity certificate and completed my supervisor training. I also hope that ENGEL will offer me a position once I finished my apprenticeship because I would love to work for this company in the future.

Of course, it's difficult to predict the future. All I know is I am interested in electronics, equipment commissioning, and apprentice supervisor training. Having said that, I just want to enjoy whatever field I will ultimately choose.

What is your best career advice for girls and young women and those who consider a job in technology?

Spiegl: Don't let other people influence your career choices and forge your own path. Identify your greatest interest and follow your passion. Your ambition, interest and determination will help you achieve and succeed in your goal!

Lettner: That's exactly right. Don't be afraid to consider a tech career. There are no drawbacks – only benefits!