Vocation: the future of a new generation

Markus Corn is passionate about training. Beginning work as a mechanic in the Automation (Maintenance) department at thyssenkrupp Steering’s site in Liechtenstein in 1994, he transitioned into the field of training in 2013.

The trained machinist and master in mechanical engineering and operating systems technology started off training apprentices to become multi-skilled technicians. Nowadays, in his capacity as Head of Training at thyssenkrupp Presta at the company’s Eschen and Oberegg sites, he supports roughly 90 apprentices as they embark upon their professional careers. His motto: “Training is my vocation. I am a role model and treat apprentices as equals – this is the best foundation for providing the new generation with a successful future.” In the interview, he provides us with exciting insights and explains the role played by trust.

What inspires you at thyssenkrupp?

Training apprentices. The training is an enormously important part of our societal and social responsibility. Young entry-level employees are our future. That is why we treat them as equals and provide them with training programmes that are attractive and varied. I don’t just want to help our apprentices progress in their chosen career. I also want to challenge them as individuals – and this is something that we do very successfully at the Eschen and Oberegg sites.

What comes to mind when you think of the word 'together' as it appears in our slogan 'engineering. tomorrow. together'?

A very strong sense of belonging. Among our apprentices as well as our team of trainers. For example, a colleague of ours recently moved to another department. Without him knowing, we put together a really cool programme for him as part of his leaving do which was themed around the words 'I trust you'. We also convinced him that he would be taking part in a bungee jump. He only realised during the jump that it he would not have to bungee jump from a great height, but simply do a little hop into a children's paddling pool. However, this member of staff put his trust in us and played along entirely. I’m not sure if many other people had done that. Things like this are what weld the team together. And this story is telling of the very trusting relationship we have with our team. We want to pass this same level of trust on to our apprentices. We also hold team-building workshops or events for them, such as icebreaker days, product training weeks, excursions and graduation trips. We always come up with something special for our graduation trips. For example, our apprentices have previously had the chance to take a look behind the scenes at the Lamborghini factory in Bologna, and see a live demo of our steering systems on the racetrack in Barcelona.

I have had the opportunity to meet a whole host of people over my last 27 years working at thyssenkrupp, many of whom I can now call my friends. I think that’s really quite nice. If I hadn't started working here, I would never have met them.

Can you give us an example of when you were able to achieve something particularly successful as team?

We introduced a basic training course for all technical career paths at the beginning of the apprenticeship, which was one of our greatest successes of the last few years. We’ve seen a clear increase in cohesion across all professions since the introduction of this basic training course. We are always trying to achieve something together. For us, there's no such thing as 'we’ve always done that'. We always need to pursue new ideas and implement them. Times are changing.

Do you work with other departments and specialist areas? Does it work well?

Yes, we work together with several other departments and specialist areas since some of our apprentices change departments to complete their training. It is important for us that they have as many opportunities as possible to work in different departments after they have completed their basic training at the training centre. That way they are provided with a good insight into the career and are able to make many new connections. Collaboration with different departments works very well. They recognise the value of having apprentices working in their department, as the juniors are already in a position to take on tasks for that department.

What do you think thyssenkrupp will advocate for in the future?

I think thyssenkrupp is and will continue to be a great advocate for diversity, for many different personalities and for internationality, but also for sustainability and a future in which mobility is more autonomous and secure. This is something that we actively promote for our customers.

You can find all vacant training places at thyssenkrupp Presta AG and its subsidiaries here.

Furthermore, you can find general information concerning vocational training at thyssenkrupp Presta AG on their website.

And you can find general information on thyssenkrupp apprenticeships here: ausbildung-bei-thyssenkrupp.com