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The Carinthian Apprentice of the year 2017 is ...
Monday, February 26, 2018
Carinthia has its apprentice of the year 2017: mechatronics, plant and operating engineer Sarah Leitner of the Springer Maschinenfabrik in Friesach. A jury of experts selected the apprentice of the year taking into account several criteria - technical and personal competencies as well as success in competitions. Sarah Leitner convinced the jury with her dual studies and her passion to assert herself in a male-dominated industry.
Sarah completed a dual apprenticeship as a mechatronics engineer and plant technician and is in the third year of apprenticeship at Springer Maschinenfabrik in Friesach. Even as a child, she preferred to spend her time in the workshop with her grandfather, a master carpenter. "I learned a lot about technology from him," she said. Today, she is one of seven female apprentices in the company. "Every working day offers a new challenge and we are also fully accepted by the boys," says Leitner. After completing secondary school, she would like to go to assembly and gain work experience abroad.
35 young and promising apprentices entered the race for the "Apprentice of the Year 2017" award. With more than 18,000 votes cast, Sarah Leitner has received the most votes along with four other supporters and qualified for the finals. On Wednesday evening, 21. february 2018, the Carinthian Chamber of Commerce and the WIFI Carinthia organized an award ceremony, where they announced the winner. The focus of the gala was to present the professional passion of these young people, their outstanding performance in competitions and the commitment to their training companies. Over 300 guests enjoyed an exciting evening and were delighted with the great appreciation and recognition of apprenticeship training in Carinthia. Andreas Görgei, head of Carinthia WIFI and educational officer of the Carinthian Chamber of Commerce, underlined the importance of teaching and supporting young talents: "We are proud of our apprentices and want to encourage them to take part in apprenticeship competitions with creative ideas such as the current video competition."
Read more about the event on wko.at (in German).
