The Komax Group has been promoting the future of talented young people for many years and giving them a successful start to their career. Last year, 162 students were given the opportunity to start their career in an innovative environment. From this group, 80 young people completed their training in Switzerland, while precisely 60 future specialists began their apprenticeship in Germany. These trainees are following the dual studies system, which combines practical training with academic studies. During the basic training, all apprentices receive an insight into the various departments and get to know and understand the numerous processes in a company. At all sites where young people are trained, the Komax Group has state-of-the-art workstations and well-equipped mechanical workshops and assembly stations.

A wide range of training options is offered within the Komax Group, ranging from information technology and mediamatics, to technical professions such as automation engineer, design engineer and developer. And wherever there are innovative machines, talented young people from the field of mechatronics are essential. Silas Wojcik is one of these. He completed his training at adaptronic, the specialist for complete system solutions and test systems in the high-voltage range, with top marks and decided to stay loyal to the company, based in Wertheim, Germany, during the next stage of his career. We asked him to tell us about his experiences from his training with the company and to give us an insight into what is important to him as a young person.

Silas Wojcik, you recently completed your apprenticeship as a mechatronics engineer at adaptronic. Could you tell us about your experiences?
⁠I completed internships at numerous companies before deciding to train for three and a half years as a mechatronics engineer. I chose adaptronic, because the company has a reputation as a good employer and training company in the region. I was just 16 years old when I started my apprenticeship. It was an unfamiliar setting for me initially, joining a group of adults I didn't know in a professional setting. But I remember that the induction period went really well and it wasn't long before I had settled in. I was welcomed with open arms, could always turn to anyone with questions I had and even had the opportunity to contribute my own ideas.

During my entire training, I really appreciated the fact that the company supported my academic Throughout my entire training, I really appreciated the fact that the company supported my academic learning and gave me the opportunity to study during working hours, for example. If I had time, I could even produce my technical drawings in the company. I also received a generous financial contribution to the cost of a tablet for school work, as well as for private use. And all students at adaptronic receive a grades bonus at the end of the academic year if they receive a good average grade for their academic work. This provides additional motivation. I completed some courses, for example a foundation course in metals, at a training center, which added variety to my training and provided even more insights into the numerous facets of my profession.

My experiences here at adaptronic were extremely positive, I made friends, and I can say to this day that I've never had a day when I didn't want to come to work.

⁠

What project did you enjoy the most during your training?
Finances permitting, my training involves designing and implementing my own project. I had this opportunity at adaptronic. I developed a throwing game based on the principle of table football, which can be controlled via the physical computing platform Arduino and contains sensors that register and indicate that a goal has been scored.

What is important to you as a young representative of generation Z?
We young people have many doors open to us. It's therefore important to think carefully about the apprenticeship or training route we choose. I think it's important to pursue our goal once we've made a decision and not to throw in the towel when we encounter the first problems. A good work-life-balance is really important to me in life. Because I mainly sit down at work, I like to play football in my free time and carry out forestry work in my family's own forest.

At work, the environment is key for me. I like working in an informal and relaxed environment where I can be myself. Like I have here at adaptronic. I work with many young people, everyone in the company knows each other and great importance is placed on cooperation. This is one of the reasons why I still like working here even after my training, with responsibilities that include the assembly and acceptance of adapter systems, which are later used to test wire harnesses in aircraft.