Ready for the future

We are taking a look at apprenticeships and advanced training at the Technology Park

Apprenticeships in Germany are under strain: Companies report unfilled positions and a noticeable shortage of applicants, while many young people are unable to find suitable placements. How do young people start their careers at the Technology Park and how do companies and scientific institutions secure the coming generation of skilled workers? We asked around.

Chantal Kirschner

Chemical laboratory technician, now with a fixed-term contract

Where? Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin (HU):
HU currently has 62 apprentices, 16 of whom are mainly based in Adlershof, with others working here on a temporary basis. In Adlershof, the university trains industrial mechanics specialising in precision engineering as well as chemical laboratory technicians.

How did you find out about the apprenticeship?

Before starting my three-year training, I began studying food technology at Technische Universität Berlin. When the course didn’t work out for me, I started looking at apprenticeships. A friend told me about the role—it sounded varied, interesting and like a good fit, so I began looking at similar opportunities.

What did you enjoy most about your training?

The variety. I received broad laboratory training and can now work in many different fields, from research and quality control to industry and beyond. I also enjoy the nature of the work itself—being able to focus, and even the repetitive tasks, which can be almost calming.

What are you doing now?

After successfully completing my training, I was offered a one-year contract at HU. I now work in Emil List-Kratochvil’s research group on hybrid components, helping to manage day-to-day lab operations and ensure safety together with my colleagues. After that year, I will most likely stay in Adlershof but with a different company.

Are you connected with other apprentices at the Technology Park?

Yes, I’m still in touch with apprentices from my year. Chemical lab technicians in particular are well-connected, thanks to our trainer, and we also have good links 
with the HU’s industrial mechanics.

Is there any additional support you would like?

No. Our trainer is very committed to ensuring we receive the best possible training and have good prospects of staying at HU afterwards. Professor List-Kratochvil also makes a strong effort to recommend and support staff on fixed-term contracts.

Hybrid Devices Group of Prof. Emil List Kratochvil

Vocational training at Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin

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Till Schäfer

Chemical laboratory technician, third year

Where? Berlin-Brandenburg State Laboratory, or LLBB:
currently six apprentices in chemical laboratory work and IT, plus ten trainees in practical placements.

How did you find out about the apprenticeship?

Through vocational classes at school and in cooperation with the employment agency.

What do you enjoy about your training?

First of all, I enjoy chemistry itself immensely. The apprenticeship allows me to learn a great deal about chemical processes and how they relate to the natural world. I also gain insight into producing and analysing different substances. What I find particularly interesting at the Berlin-Brandenburg State Laboratory is consumer protection, for example, testing food, water or everyday products. Analysing whether a pill contains the correct dosage, or whether children’s make-up contains harmful substances, is genuinely fascinating to me.

What’s happening next? What are your plans after the apprenticeship?

At the moment, I plan to stay on at the lab for a year to save money before pursuing a chemistry degree.

Are you connected with other apprentices in the Technology Park?

Yes, especially with other chemical lab technicians in my year. At the Technology Park, many of them are at the Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing.

Berlin-Brandenburg State Laboratory (LLBB)

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Zoé Summer Krüger

Machining mechanic, first year

Where? Ahlberg Metalltechnik GmbH:
currently 19 apprentices across roles, including toolmaking, machining, industrial mechanics, commercial training, mechatronics, and logistics.

How did you find out about the apprenticeship?

In 2023, I visited the job fair Kick & Work with my class at the time. I came across Ahlberg purely by chance. I always wanted to learn a skilled trade, so it was a good fit.

What do you enjoy about your training?

Learning new things and developing professionally. It’s motivating to become more independent over time.

What’s happening next? What are your plans after the apprenticeship?

I’ll probably stay at Ahlberg to gain experience. Then I will possibly start a second apprenticeship to broaden my skills.

Do you only spend your work life in Adlershof or do you stay and use other facilities?

No, I only come here to work. I’m a competitive athlete and train elsewhere in Berlin.

Vocational training at Ahlberg Metalltechnik

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Maurice Bitte

Machining mechanic/milling systems

Where? Astro- und Feinwerktechnik Adlershof GmbH:
currently two apprentices, trained as industrial mechanics and machining mechanics.

How did you find out about the apprenticeship?

Through my teacher, who pointed me towards this course. Just before graduating, he was the one that told us about the Technology Park. I had also seen an appealing job advert online.

What do you enjoy about your training?

Learning how to use computer-controlled machines to produce highly precise components for the spaceflight industry with tolerances of up to 0.01 mm.

What’s happening next? What are your plans after the apprenticeship?

I’ve been taken on by the company after completing my training. I enjoy both the work and the environment, so I’d like to continue developing my skills here.

Do you only spend your work life in Adlershof or do you stay and use other facilities?

At the moment, I only come here to work. But I sometimes go for a bite at Speisemanufaktur.

Astro- und Feinwerktechnik Adlershof GmbH

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Annika Teuffert

Chemical laboratory technician, third year

Where? Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing (BAM):
34 apprentices across nine professions, including industrial mechanics, plant mechanics and materials testing.

How did you find out about the apprenticeship?

I enjoyed chemistry at school and chose it as an advanced subject. After finishing my Abitur, I wanted to start working practically as soon as possible. During the holidays, I took part in a trial study programme at Freie Universität Berlin (FU) and was able to look into a chemistry course. We attended lectures in the morning and worked in the lab in the afternoon. The lectures weren’t really for me, but I loved the hands-on work. That’s how I became interested in laboratory careers. I then completed a one-week internship as a chemical laboratory technician in Adlershof. In the end, this convinced me to apply to several institutes, and I chose BAM.

What do you enjoy about your training?

The dual apprenticeship system especially. At vocational school, I learn the theoretical foundations behind the methods we then use in the lab. I find this combination of theory and practice really fascinating. During basic training, we also learn about older methods, which show how lab technology has evolved. Many processes are now automated. I’ve also noticed how much more independently I work now, and how much better I understand lab processes.

What’s happening next? What are your plans after the apprenticeship?

I’ll complete my training early this summer and hope to be taken on afterwards. I might then qualify as a chemical technical assistant. I’m also interested in an Erasmus+ internship, which would allow me to spend three months working in a lab abroad. Through that, I could gain international experience and improve my English. For now, I’m keeping my options open.

Are you connected with other apprentices in the Technology Park?

Yes. Our training is organised jointly with institutions such as TU Berlin, HU and FU. The first year takes place largely at FU’s training lab. We were about 30 apprentices there, so I met a lot of people. And I found a small group of friends.

Training and internship at the Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing (BAM)

Apprentices at Technology Park Adlershof and the growth area

Chris Löwer for Adlershof Journal