A roundabout way to a dream job
Leon Proskawetz feels that he has finally arrived in his apprenticeship as a mechatronics technician at Liebherr Rostock. He has already gained some professional experience before, and has also dropped out of both an apprenticeship and a dual study programme.
On 2 September 2024, Liebherr Rostock welcomed exactly 50 new apprentices to the overseas port, who are eagerly looking forward to the start of a new chapter in their lives. Among them is Leon Proskawetz, who is training to become a mechatronics engineer with the crane manufacturer.
Unlike most of his fellow trainees, some of whom are nine years younger, the 25-year-old from Dresden can already look back on some professional experience. Leon's career impressively illustrates that unplanned paths can also lead to a dream job.
After the 10th grade, Leon began training as an optician in his hometown, but dropped out in the third year of his apprenticeship. ‘At the time, I was in the wild phase of my youth and probably didn't think about every career decision and the consequences carefully’, Leon recalls with a twinkle in his eye. An acquaintance arranged a mini-job for him at a bakery, where he delivered bread rolls on a EUR 450 basis. His boss offers him the chance to train as a catering specialist and Leon sees the opportunity to complete his vocational baccalaureate straight afterwards. ‘I was already very enthusiastic about cars and technology when I was young. That's why my medium-term goal was to study mechanical engineering.’
When I read about the mechatronics technician apprenticeship, I just thought: “Jackpot”! Exciting areas such as mechanics, hydraulics, IT and the prospect of working abroad after the apprenticeship. That sounds like a dream job!
From Dresden, via Lake Constance, to Rostock. At just 25 years old, Leon Proskawetz already has more stations in his CV than many of his fellow apprentices.
The new challenge should be practical and varied, preferably in industry. ‘My two former fellow students then recommended that I apply to Liebherr.’ Leon researches Liebherr job advertisements throughout Germany and, due to his family, also looks northwards. ‘My mum was born on the Baltic Sea. After my siblings and I moved away from home, my parents relocated from Dresden to Wismar.’ He quickly became aware of the Rostock site and saw that there were still apprenticeship places available for 2024. ‘When I read about training as a mechatronics technician, I just thought: “Jackpot!” Exciting areas such as mechanics, hydraulics, IT and the prospect of working abroad after the apprenticeship. That sounds like a dream job!’ Leon immediately reaches for his mobile phone and makes a long call to Liebherr training manager Manfred Wanitschke. ‘After that, my enthusiasm and my desire to start my apprenticeship at Liebherr Rostock was even greater!’ The weeks leading up to the interview seemed to drag on forever, but this appointment also went well and Leon was accepted three days later. He has now been part of the Liebherr family for almost four weeks. His first impression? ‘I am very impressed by the appreciation and professionalism with which the trainees are welcomed here. I really enjoyed the welcome week with the outdoor camp. At the age of 25, I've already got to know a few employers through two apprenticeships, dual study programmes and part-time jobs, so I can perhaps judge a little better than my younger trainee colleagues that these are exceptionally good prerequisites and conditions for an apprenticeship’, Leon is certain.
After my apprenticeship, I would like to work at Liebherr as an overseas fitter. I'm also interested in the prospect of further training as an industrial technician or master craftsman. Or working with young people as a trainer.
For Liebherr training manager Wanitschke, age doesn't play a role in the selection process: ‘We've also had seasoned family men start their training with us and they are still working for us today. It's never too late to learn what you enjoy. We are therefore particularly open to university drop-outs and those who want to reorient themselves professionally’, emphasises Wanitschke.
Mechanics, hydraulics, IT and the perspective of working abroad – a dream job for Leon Proskawetz.
And what are Leon's plans for the future? ‘After my apprenticeship, I would like to work at Liebherr as an international fitter. I'm also interested in further training to become an industrial technician or master craftsman. Or working with young people as a trainer.’ In any case, Liebherr Rostock offers him many opportunities for further development. But before that happens, Leon wants to successfully complete his third apprenticeship. ‘I already feel really at home at Liebherr and definitely see my future here’, he says, sounding more convinced than ever before.
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