New apprentices bring fresh energy to VERBUND
With the ceremonial presentation of the apprenticeship contracts, 40 power plant operators and one future surveying technician today entered into their future professions. Over the coming four years they will be trained at the apprentice workshops in Ybbs-Persenbeug, Kaprun and Töging and at power plant locations in Austria and Bavaria.
Michael Amerer, as Chief Executive Officer of VERBUND Hydro Power GmbH also responsible for apprentice training in the VERBUND Group: "Due to the exacting requirements in the power plant sector, we place great emphasis on the technical competence of our skilled workers. As part of our dual training, unique in Austria, we therefore train our highly qualified personnel ourselves in our apprentice workshops in Austria and Bavaria. In addition, in the last years it has become evident that graduates of our apprentice workshops are also viewed by other companies as sought-after specialists."
Apprenticeship occupation more attractive for women
Women are still underrepresented in technical apprenticeship occupations. VERBUND is making great efforts in this area to increase the quotient of women. This year three young women are beginning their apprenticeship with VERBUND. At the apprenticeship workshop in Ybbs-Persenbeug, Brigitte Mayrhofer has been the first female apprentice trainer at VERBUND since last year.
Digitisation as trend
The future generation of power plant operators has to be equally familiar with the screwdriver and the smartphone. In addition to the fundamentals in electrical engineering and metal technology, "smart" applications are becoming ever more important parts of the daily work routine. Especially for the Danube, in the coming years new digital applications will cause a decrease in documentation on paper. Comprehensive databases and clever programmes should help make the job considerably easier in the future.
More than just clean regional energy
The advantages of hydropower for generating electricity are self-evident. But operating the power plant with personnel from the region also represents a significant economic factor. In Lower Austria alone, VERBUND annually invests about EUR 37 million in business investments, maintenance and other work on the power plants. The regional value creation through cooperation with local suppliers plays an important role in this.
Two professions - one apprenticeship
Starting as an apprentice at VERBUND is the foundation for many development possibilities in the future professional life. The dual apprenticeship forms a solid basis: During the 4-year apprenticeship, the future specialists are trained as electrical engineers and metal technicians. Training takes place at the apprentice workshops in Kaprun, Ybbs, and Töging in Bavaria. Great importance is attached to being able to apply theoretical knowledge straight away in practice - and the best place for this is one of VERBUND’s 127 power plants. Other apprentices and experienced supervisors create a positive environment which also includes shared recreational activities.
More about the VERBUND dual apprenticeship: www.verbund.com/lehre
