52 people successfully complete their apprenticeships at ETH

ETH Zurich is well known as a prominent university. But for a lucky few, it also offers the opportunity of an apprenticeship or traineeship. Vocational training takes the form of technical and commercial apprenticeships, with 165 apprentices and trainees currently registered. Recently the successful apprentices and trainees celebrated their success with a presentation in the Audi Max, followed by a drinks reception in the Dozentenfoyer.

The toolkit will come in handy

Professor Leonardo Degiorgi, administrative director of the Physics Department, told the newly qualified apprentices that they stood on the brink of a new era. An apprenticeship is seldom an easy task. Completing it was therefore a testament of their enormous commitment. Now, however, the challenge was to do well and make their mark in the job market. The University had laid the groundwork, providing a unique work environment combined with innovation and inventive talent. And that’s just what they need to accompany them on their journey. Unconventional thinking often leads to success, and Professor Degiorgi encouraged them to open their young minds to new discoveries and career development opportunities.

Lukas Vonesch, Head of Human Resources, praised the apprentices and acknowledged the support of the Executive Board. He thanked all the staff who worked so hard on a daily basis to support the youngsters and create the ideal conditions for them to thrive. Their hard work and passion made it all possible.

Fabienne Jaquet, Head of Vocational Education and Training, also praised staff who looked after the apprentices, saying she was inspired by their ceaseless engagement and dedication, as well as their ability to motivate young people for a technical subject and support them right through to the successful completion of their course. She also addressed the newly qualified apprentices, reminding them that the toolkit supplied by ETH would come in extremely useful in achieving their personal and professional goals and dreams.

Fabienne Jaquet and Lukas Vonesch presented the apprentices with a “power gift”. But Patricia Gsell, one of the staff working in Vocational Education and Training had another very special gift. When first embarking on their apprenticeships, they were asked on day one to jot down their goals and ambitions on the first day. These youthful aspirations remained sealed in an envelope during the years of their apprenticeship. Their contents raised a few smiles when the apprentices read what was inside their envelope.

Good preparation is fed by experience

The newly qualified apprentices Lisa Bickel (business administrator) and Karl Seidler (physics laboratory technician), who are both active in the Apprentices’ Association, spoke on behalf of the apprentices. After three years at ETH, Lisa completed her apprenticeship in business administration with a vocational matriculation certificate (Berufsmatura, BMS). Her apprenticeship took her through many areas of the University. She was also the first apprentice to spend six months with an outside company. She said it was very helpful to get used to change and find your feet in totally different fields.

After spending four years in the Physics Department, Karl completed his apprenticeship as a physics laboratory technician, also gaining a vocational matriculation certificate (BMS). He spent the first 18 months in the classroom and attending courses. He spent the next 2.5 years in various laboratories. Both apprentices are convinced they made the right decision to complete their apprenticeship at ETH. They have come away with fantastic experiences in a special environment with interesting people who have supported them throughout. They had so many anecdotes to tell. Giant sparks, the professor’s plant that perished due to excessive watering, the 10 pallets of kitchen roll ordered instead of just 10 rolls…..and there are still plenty left, by the way!

Class of 2017

The 52 people who completed their apprenticeship work in 10 different professions:
 

• 6 electronics engineers
• 2 operational maintenance specialists
• 1 media technician
• 1 information and documentation specialist
• 2 computer scientists specialising in application development and 4 information scientists specialising in systems engineering
• 6 business administrators
• 11 trainees in business administration
• 7 biology laboratory technicians
• 4 chemical laboratory technicians
• 3 physics laboratory technicians