"Go for it!" Lukas on his training

Lukas, how did you end up at STRABAG and on the training programme to become a construction machinery operator?

Lukas: It was actually a coincidence. I saw a job advert for the training programme and applied. At the time, I didn’t really know where my career path would take me. Looking back, though, it was exactly the right decision.

I’d always been interested in machinery and technology. That’s why the role of a construction machinery operator appealed to me straight away. What I find particularly exciting is that you get to work with large, powerful machines whilst still having to be very precise. When people think of excavators and construction machinery, they mainly think of size and power. In fact, though, it also requires a great deal of finesse.

How did you find your first few days at STRABAG?

Lukas: I can still remember my first day very well. It was a Friday and all the new apprentices met up at head office first. There, we were introduced to our contact persons and given some initial information about the apprenticeship.
That made getting started much easier, because we knew right from the start who to turn to. We also got to know the other trainees straight away and quickly felt part of the team.

What experiences from your apprenticeship have stuck in your memory the most?

Lukas: A real highlight was the social projects we were able to get involved in as apprentices.
On one apprentice building site, we redesigned the outdoor area at the Bergheide Activity Park. We were also involved in the refurbishment of a school playground. There, we dismantled the old play area and created something new.

Projects like these are particularly rewarding because you can see straight away the benefit of your own work. You know that the spaces will later be used by children, families or other people. That really makes you proud.

Lukas: Another special experience was attending the careers fairs. There, together with our training coordinators, I had the chance to introduce the profession to school pupils. Lots of them wanted to know what machinery I operate and what a typical day on a building site is like. It was great fun sharing my experiences and perhaps inspiring one or two of them to take up the profession.

What do you particularly like about your job?

Lukas: Most of all, of course, working with the machinery. Basically, I like the variety the job offers. No two days are the same; every building site brings new tasks. At the same time, you have a lot of responsibility. Whilst you’re working, you have to be constantly alert and keep an eye on your surroundings. That’s why concentration is such an important part of everyday working life.
Many people underestimate that. Even if you don’t have to do heavy physical work all the time, you’re often still tired in the evening because you’ve been working with intense concentration all day.

Which machines do you most enjoy operating?

Lukas: I love operating the crawler excavator best. You can move a lot of earth with it and see straight away what you’ve achieved. But the wheeled excavator is fun too, because you can use it to carry out lots of different tasks on the building site.

Your apprenticeship is now complete. What’s next for you?

Lukas: First of all, I’d like to gain as much practical experience as possible and learn on the job. A new chapter is beginning now, as I’ll be taking on more responsibility and carrying out many tasks more independently. In the long term, I can also see myself undertaking further training.

What advice would you give to young people who are thinking about training in the construction industry?

Lukas: Go for it! And if you’re still unsure, just do an internship. That’ll give you a good insight and help you work out whether the profession is right for you.

To wrap up: How would you sum up your apprenticeship in one sentence?

Lukas: It was exciting; I met some great people and found exactly the right fit for me.

Thank you very much for the fascinating insights into your career path, Lukas. We wish you all the best for the future!