At the WorldSkills competition for apprentices, which took place from 22 to 27 August in Kazan, Russia, 1,600 participants representing more than 60 countries and 56 professions battled it out for honours. Andreas Keplinger, who passed his apprenticeship as a refrigeration systems engineer at HAUSER with distinction, placed fifth out of 28 entrants – and also claimed a coveted Medallion of Excellence. In November 2018, the 19-year-old also won the AustrianSkills national contest in the air conditioning and refrigeration technology category. Keplinger is one of 60-plus apprentices trained by HAUSER every year in the areas of refrigeration systems technology, electrical engineering and design; the company also trains office administrators and industrial clerks. “We are proud of the achievements of Andreas Keplinger, for whom a great deal of preparatory work has paid off. We offer apprentices the chance to develop as individuals at our sites across Europe. The emphasis is on teamwork as well as working independently in a supportive atmosphere,” explains Rupert Danninger, who trains apprentices at HAUSER.
Taking on more than 60 apprentices per year, HAUSER is Austria’s biggest trainer in the field of refrigeration systems technology. The expertise of the company with 60 years of experience in training apprentices is evident from its many awards in such competitions as AustrianSkills, EuroSkills and WorldSkills. As HAUSER has steadily expanded, its need for skilled employees has also increased. HAUSER currently offers apprenticeships in the following trades: refrigeration systems engineer (m/f), electrical engineer (m/f), dual apprenticeship as refrigeration systems engineer and electrical installation technician (m/f), design engineer (m/f), office administrator (m/f) and industrial clerk (m/f). “Thanks to personalised training plans, every apprentice is supported during the induction phase and becomes familiar with all departments,” says Danninger.
HAUSER sets great store by apprentice training, and rewards outstanding performance on the part of its future specialists. Apprentices are not only paid wages based on the collective agreement for the metals industry plus allowances for business travel, but also bonuses for very good reports or exceptional results in final examinations. The company also rewards excellent performance by bearing the costs of obtaining a driving licence (category B). Interested persons can find out about the benefits of HAUSER apprenticeships via regular informative events, open house days and roadshows. “In September we will be taking our roadshow to the Mühlviertel, and in November we take part in an apprentices showcase organised by the GUUTE association,” reveals Danninger.
Apprentice refrigeration engineers learn how to assemble, connect and commission refrigeration units, air conditioning systems and heat pumps, and also how to check for leakage. The dual apprenticeship is complemented by an electrical engineering component that covers the installation, commissioning, maintenance and repair of electrical machinery and equipment as well as building services systems. “Refrigeration systems engineers are the people who make sure ice is frozen, drinks are cold and food stays fresh. Trainees also learn how waste heat from refrigeration systems can be used for heating,” continues Danninger. The specialist knowledge gained on the apprenticeship course opens up several career paths, including that of project manager. Many managerial positions at HAUSER are held by former apprentices, which contributes to the success of the company.
If you have any questions on applications or attending open days, please call apprentice instructor Rupert Danninger on +43 732 7323 052 213.
