It is no ordinary working week at ELCON – lots of students and teachers are filling the offices corridors, visibly impressed after having seen the large manufacturing machines. Many companies in Chemnitz and Zwickau, from the Vogtland region, the Ore mountains and Central Saxony open their doors this week within the Saxony-wide project “Come in and check it out!” On 10th and 11th March ELCON welcomed sixth- to eleven-graders from secondary and high schools in the neighbourhood, offering them a chance to take a closer look at different professions under real working atmosphere. What are the tasks of a Quality manager? Which are the duties an SMT-specialist has to fulfil? How can I become an electrotechnician for devices and systems? What do the staff in the marketing department do?

The employees and trainees in the individual departments were well prepared to report on their activities and the experience they had gained. ELCON´s apprentices with commercial and technical orientation gave an overview of the different educational offers like vocational training and studies. Saskia Pfeil, prospective industrial clerk, reported on the practical experience at work. Dominik Helmert and Maximilian Hahn, who have started a vocational training as electrotechnician for devices and systems at ELCON, explained requirements and opportunities for a career in their profession. Special interest among the students was dedicated to the live projects: a self-developed mini-car, and the skill game “The hot ELCON wire”. The tour of the factory turned out to be a particular highlight for the visitors, who could see for themselves how the ultra-modern machines automatically placed tiny components on the circuit boards before soldering them for the final telecommunication products.

“Come in and check it out!” not only helps pupils and students finding the right profession. There are benefits also for ELCON, as Denise Neukirchner, Human Resources Assistant, knows: “We have the chance to get in touch with potential trainees or students at an early stage, and to learn more about their interests. For both sides the event is a perfect opportunity to exchange information and get a first feeling whether a cooperation would make sense or not.” To enable school graduates a deeper look into real work life, ELCON offers internships in different departments of the company.