My story at LEONI
I am LEONIe, 18 years old and I have been working at LEONI in Kitzingen since September 2021. Presently I’m in my third apprenticeship year to qualify as an electronics technician for devices and systems. Even back in high school I was very interested in electrical engineering, which led me to an internship in electronics for power engineering and building services. Thanks to this work experience, I came upon LEONI, and, after in-depth research, I was sure that I wanted to learn this trade.
This is my job
My main tasks as an electronics technician for devices and systems include soldering circuit boards, creating flow diagrams and matching layouts, developing simulations as well as testing various systems, including running of functions tests. The variety of my tasks fascinates me profoundly. Every day I expand my knowledge and take on responsibility by actively participating in real projects. It leaves an impression to be holding a functional circuit board in your hands at the end, one that I have devised, assembled, and tested myself. The constantly changing projects ensure that day-to-day work never becomes monotonous.
My daily routine
Start of the day
My usual working day at LEONI starts at around 7.30 a.m. After I’ve arrived, I begin by setting up my workplace and filling up my drinking bottle from the free-of-charge water dispensers.
Morning
Thereafter I check and answer my emails. To better organize my day, I look out for pending meetings, arrange team tasks and check whether new ones should be added. Then I start on my own jobs for the day, for example drawing a circuit diagram in KiCad and creating the related layout. In between, I participate in scheduled meetings.
Lunch break
I start my 30-minute lunch break, during which I meet and eat together with other apprentices, at 12 noon.
Afternoon
In the afternoon, I continue my work such as soldering components onto a circuit board, running function tests, testing various systems, or preparing simulations in LTspice.
Evening
I usually finish my work between 3:30 and 4 p.m. Just before finishing time I check my emails once more, answer them, tidy my workplace and stow the PC equipment in my cupboard so that the cleaners can disinfect my desk. That’s because we desk-share in Kitzingen, which means that every staff member can book any desk. No-one has their own desk.
My highlights
One of my highlights was when I first had the opportunity to solder a circuit board that was to fulfill a specific function. The challenge of understanding the circuit diagram, choosing the components, soldering everything, and finally testing the functionality was really fascinating.
This practical experience is in line with the thorough support that we receive from instructors during our apprenticeship. Every Wednesday morning, we take part in apprentice classroom sessions, which cover both educational and general apprenticeship topics. E-learning sessions additionally provide the opportunity to develop our capabilities further and to understand the latest developments, among which can also be such general matters as data protection in the company. I therefore feel well informed and always supported.
My view of LEONI as an employer
LEONI impressed me when I took a closer look at the company – with both its history and the fact that it has established itself in such a far-reaching and international way. What I appreciate about this company is that it stands up for its employees and offers support in the form of travel expenses and training courses. My colleagues are very much ready to help and polite. There is moreover the in-depth preparation for exams, be it the interim or final exam, which is a big plus for me at LEONI.
An exceptionally pleasant atmosphere furthermore prevails within my team. They all greet each other warmly and are extremely helpful. Quickly being on first-name terms creates a very familiar environment. Among us apprentices there is always a supportive atmosphere, and our instructors are generous with their time in answering any question, especially when it is about classroom topics.
In three words, LEONI is to me: progressive, modern, and international.
