Arton - Apprentice industrial electronics technician
Our apprentice Arton is completing his training as an industrial electronics technician specialising in fire alarm systems. ‘I read out error messages and repair the fire alarm system,’ he says proudly. The industrial electronics technician apprenticeship lasts two years and he is currently in his second year. His week consists of 2 school days and 3 working days. When asked about his typical working day, he replies: ‘I either go straight to the customer in the morning or to the branch office. There I discuss the day's tasks with my journeyman and we put them into practice.’
Motivation and first steps
His motivation to start training as an industrial electronics technician came from his previous job as a fire safety assistant at CWS Fire Safety, where he worked in the area of fire extinguishers and fire alarm systems. ‘CWS Fire Safety asked me if I would be interested in training as an industrial electronics technician,’ he reports. Originally, he didn't want to have anything to do with electricity as he was a little scared of it. ‘But I have to say that I've lost my fear thanks to the industrial electronics technician apprenticeship. I now know a lot more about electricity.’
Everyday life and challenges
On a day-to-day basis, he particularly enjoys the fine work, such as wiring and neatly laying cables. ‘I like the fine work and connecting everything together properly.’ There are also challenges in the industrial electronics technician apprenticeship. He says: ‘I sometimes have to crawl into dark, narrow corners and corridors for my job, but I like that. I also climb as a hobby and have a narrow build, so I can get through anywhere.’
Support and cooperation
He describes the support from his journeymen and colleagues as consistently positive. ‘I learn from my journeyman every day. Even if he doesn't know something, he does the research and gives me feedback later. I'm happy to work with him.’
‘I get on well with all my colleagues. Through my previous work as a helper, I also got to know a lot of colleagues who would love for me to work with them again,’ he adds with a grin on his face.
A steady hand and stamina
When asked about the skills you need for an industrial electronics technician apprenticeship, he says: ‘You have to have a steady hand and the will to see the industrial electronics technician apprenticeship through.’ Despite the learning phases, which sometimes take place in the evenings after work, he has never regretted his decision to train as an industrial electronics technician. ‘I'm glad I decided to train as an industrial electronics technician, it was the best decision I ever made.’
Advice for future trainees
When asked what advice he would give to someone who is considering training as an industrial electronics technician, he says: ‘If you get the opportunity to train as an industrial electronics technician, you should take it. If you're unsure, you can do a work placement beforehand and find out whether you enjoy it. It was a bit like that for me when I was working as a fire safety assistant. I would have liked to have known when I was 17 that I would enjoy it. I'm a bit older now, but I'm still glad I did this apprenticeship as an industrial electronics technician. Better later than never.’