“When I did my apprenticeship, the fun factor was not yet an issue”: Mayer & Cie. Training Manager Michael Fortenbacher

What is your position at Mayer & Cie. and what tasks does it involve?

I am a technical training manager at Mayer & Cie. My tasks include reviewing applications and selecting suitable trainees for our apprenticeships. In addition to hiring, I take care of the planning of the training.

The training itself is central. Especially in their first year, the trainees receive numerous instructions, i.e. accompanying lessons on their practical tasks, turning, filing and milling, as well as in pneumatics and CNC technology.

As a training manager, I work with many people within the company. At the same time, I am in contact with the vocational school, keep in touch with other companies and the Chamber of Industry and Commerce. There I take the final exams as an examiner in an examination board.

When you shift through applications, what do you pay particular attention to?

The grades are a criterion, no doubt about that. Some people only think of maths, technology and physics because it’s about a technical education. But be careful (laughs): History and physical education also give away a lot! We also take a look at the behavioural grade.

It is important to us that young people can identify with their future profession, which means that they should have an idea of what to expect.

When we sit in the interview with the applicants, a pleasant atmosphere is important to us. A job interview is not a one-sided event, we also introduce ourselves as a company and as people to the potential trainee.

We prefer it when we have a chat for half an hour or three-quarters of an hour and can laugh together. It’s a question of chemistry, we work together almost every day for at least three years.

Has the application process changed over time?

At Mayer & Cie., we train industrial mechanics, production mechanics and industrial clerks. We have about 20 to 25 trainees in the company over all apprenticeship years. I remember that 15 years ago we received a good 200 applications. For the 2025 training year, we have fewer than ten applications in the technical field as of today.

While it used to be clear that students would apply for their apprenticeships one year before the start of their training, today there is no longer a deadline. We receive applications throughout the year. If something suitable comes by two weeks after the start of the training, he or she will also come into play – if we still have places.

What are you doing to attract trainees?

Attracting talent today takes more than just an ad in the newspaper. That’s why we’re focused on digital outreach and hands-on partnerships. We’re happy to work closely with Lammerberg Secondary School and have a strong connection with Ebinger Schlossbergrealschule

In addition, we are always at the training fairs, recently again at the “Visionen” trade fair in Balingen. This is a good event that we will visit again next year. However, as strange as it may sound, Balingen is far away for us. Our trainees are 16 or 17 years old, so they have to travel by public transport. The way from Balingen or even Schömberg to Tailfinger can be arduous.

In January, we will therefore participate in another training fair in Albstadt-Tailfingen. We hope that we can reach young people directly on site.

How long have you been with MCT? Can you outline your own career in the company?

I started my own apprenticeship at Mayer & Cie. in 1986, as a mechanic specialising in equipment and precision engineering, i.e. what is now an industrial mechanic. After that, I was an apprentice – we would say trainer – from 1990 to October 1992. When I finished my training, I did the industrial foreman metalwork part-time. That’s why I had to go back to school, Friday afternoon and Saturday, for about two and a half years. This qualification is a prerequisite for becoming a training manager.

After that, I got around the company: For example, I was in incoming goods inspection and spent two years in assembly. I liked that very much and I was just on my way to becoming a service technician, i.e. to travel around the world after our machines, when I was brought back into training. That was in 1999, and ten years later, in 2009, I took over as head of training.

How do you remember your own education compared to today?

We had to file for half a year, which I found really tough! We were trained for manual work, because at that time a lot of tasks had to be done by hand that machines do today. In addition, we now attach much more importance to the fact that young people enjoy coming to work. The fun factor was not yet a big issue at that time.

What else has changed in terms of content?

The first thing that comes to mind is the topic of soft skills. Trainees today have different strengths than in the past. However, we sometimes have to be more vehement than before in terms of punctuality and compliance with rules. I also have the impression that we offer more support in working on the school material.

At the same time, new topics have been added, CNC technology, for example, which is becoming more digital. And of course, the programming of a machine has changed over time.

Robots are a topic at vocational school. The automation of processes is a relief in many places. However, I am convinced that a robot will not be able to take over the assembly of a knitting machine so quickly.

What challenges do young people encounter when beginning an apprenticeship at Mayer & Cie. today?

They have to be very flexible when it comes to the workplace. Our employees are not only deployed in one process, but in several. They must be open to new things and keep their knowledge up to date.

What is the most important thing you want to pass on to young people?

Standing still is lagging behind. You have to keep at it, educate yourself. A completed apprenticeship is by no means enough for life. Others move too, after all.

What do you particularly appreciate about your work, what motivates you?

I like the daily interaction with the trainees and the fact that we are an interface in the company. I also appreciate the contact with the outside world, the interaction with other examiners, with the vocational school. I enjoy coming to work every day.

How would you describe Mayer & Cie., in a nutshell?

A family business, organized and open, for everyone. If the professional competence fits, the rest is secondary. We have a very friendly and polite relationship with each other. There is usually a good atmosphere here.

What do you wish for the future?

Success for the company and a secure job. Fortunately, one usually goes hand in hand with the other.