"You don't realize that you're getting older!"

Dipl.-Ing. (FH) Andreas Israel has been training electronics technicians for devices and systems at the HSZG since 1985. He is now handing over the management of apprenticeship training to Udo Johne on January 1, 2022. This is not an unfamiliar task for him, who was previously employed by the Technology and Facility Management department: "I have been standing in for Andreas as Head of Training since 2008 when he was on vacation or otherwise unable to be present. Now I have been asked if I would like to take over the baton."

Udo Johne himself completed his training as an electronics technician for devices and systems at the university and is now looking forward to working more closely with his KIA protégés. This is because they are trainees who, when they are not planning and building electronic devices in the training workshop, spend the rest of their time in the lecture halls of the Department of Electrical Engineering.

Of the usual three and a half years of vocational training, trainees at HSZG invest two and a half years in training and basic studies. This is followed by a specialization in the field of mechatronics, automation or electrical energy systems. They can then complete their studies with a Bachelor's degree or a diploma.

"It'sa tight program for the young people," says Udo Johne, making it clear that he is not responsible for teaching the content of the course, but for the apprenticeship training.

In the training workshop, the budding electronics technicians for devices and systems manufacture housing parts, install and check building electrics, carry out safety checks on electrical devices or develop solutions for electronic problems, which they then put into practice.

This year's new trainees are David Richter, Steven Ehmke and Paul Guttwein. "I came to the HSZG through the father of a good friend. He studied here himself almost 20 years ago," says David Richter. The new KIA students agree that it is beneficial if the training company is in the immediate vicinity. Paul Guttwein: "I already knew the university premises before I started my studies and found my way around easily. And if I forget a signature on my training certificate, I can easily have it added. The fact that I was able to get to know many university employees before starting my studies was and still is an advantage for me."  Despite all the advantages, Steven Ehmke also sees challenges in the current coronavirus measures: "The first year of my apprenticeship is proving to be more stressful than expected, but I'm still very satisfied."

Three young apprentices starting out as future electronics technicians for devices and systems at HSZG. Is this a purely male domain? Udo Johne doesn't think so. With Emilia Herzig, another young woman is currently completing her apprenticeship in the dual study program. " The practical experience you get here helps you understand the theory much better and it's great to always be doing something productive in between," says the third-year apprentice. "We are a good team. The trainers are always on hand to answer my questions."

Pramod Kumar Sah agrees. The apprentice comes from Nepal and joined the KIA program via the HSZG's preparatory college after successfully passing the entrance exam. Udo Johne is delighted with the multiculturalism of the team: "We've already had trainees from Morocco, the Czech Republic and even El Salvador. Hats off to those who stick with the program, even if it's not taught in their native language."

For Andreas Israel, it was the collaboration with the trainees that he really enjoyed over the years: "When things got complicated, we always found a solution. You don't even realize that you're getting older when you're working with young people," he sums up with a mischievous look at his successor.

Text: Cornelia Rothe M.A.