From trainee to technical controller: Elko's journey from bridge building in Colombia to Vienna
First stop: Stuttgart. Elko began his technical trainee program there and gained experience at the Central Technology department, more specifically in the area of LEAN Construction Process Management (LCPM). This was followed by assignments in the building materials laboratory and on the construction site.
Things got really hands-on during the conversion of a shopping center in Marburg: Elko worked actively in construction management for three and a half months. Back in Stuttgart, further positions followed - for example in structural engineering, civil engineering, contract management and in various technical offices. He also expanded his knowledge through software training, soft skills seminars and technical group presentations.
Colombian adventure: from trainee to bridge construction expert
Elko packed his bags for the next step: he went to Colombia for the trainee program to a mega project with more than 180 kilometers of road, 49 bridges, tunnel construction and demanding repairs in the middle of the Andes. There, he learned about various construction methods in bridge building from cantilever construction and prefabricated girders to in-situ concrete construction.
Would he recommend the trainee program to others? "Definitely!" says Elko today. "I was able to develop enormously both professionally and personally."
Came to stay: Four years in Latin America
What began as a trainee assignment turned into a formative, long experience abroad. After the end of the project, Elko stayed in Colombia for another two and a half years. During this time, he supported the technical team at the STRABAG site there, coordinated bid processes and worked on other major projects in the region.
His highlight: "The collaboration in our international team, which was excellently positioned professionally and also harmonized very well on a personal level," he says. Bridge construction in the high mountains remained particularly exciting for him, which required both technical expertise and a lot of creativity, especially due to the challenging topographical conditions.
Back in Europe: new tasks, familiar faces
Back in Germany, Elko once again took on responsibility in the LCPM department as a project manager in work preparation with a focus on tender schedules and construction site equipment planning, particularly in bridge construction. Best of all, he knew many of his colleagues there from the beginning of his traineeship.
But that was not Elko's last stop. He now works in Vienna as a Technical Controller. His responsibilities there include these three tasks in particular:
- Strategic reporting & decision-making basis for the division management
- Further development of controlling structures, tools and processes
- Participation in working groups and training on results in the division
Colombia vs. Central Europe: two worlds, many opportunities
What was different abroad? "In Colombia, we helped shape infrastructure projects from the ground up - from project design and the selection of suitable quarries to the planning of crushing, asphalt and concrete mixing plants," says Elko. This required a lot of ingenuity, communication with planners and internal experts and often unconventional solutions, especially under challenging conditions.
The biggest change when returning: here, many things are more standardized, with clear roles and existing supply chains. "What we could learn from Colombia: More courage to find pragmatic solutions and a more flexible view of the big picture," says the Technical Controller.
Career path with vision
Elko's path shows: If you are curious, take responsibility and remain open to new things, you can embark on an exceptional career at STRABAG - international, varied and full of learning moments.