Germany’s best machine assembler works for Tognum

• Paul Bruch today receives accolade in Berlin as best apprentice
• Title goes for second time to a Tognum Group apprentice

Friedrichshafen, 7 December 2009. The best machine assembler in Germany works at the specialist for propulsion and power solutions Tognum: Paul Bruch, skilled worker at Tognum subsidiary MTU Friedrichshafen, completed his training in February and was the best in his year. Today in Berlin, the twenty-five year old from Ravensburg will be awarded the title of best apprentice by Hans Heinrich Driftmann, President of the Association of German Chambers of Industry and Commerce (DIHK). German Federal President Horst Köhler will open the awards ceremony with a welcoming speech.

Machine assemblers are known as engine mechanics at MTU Friedrichshafen and their training lasts one and a half years. Since the training course was first introduced in 2000, 31 fully qualified engine mechanics have launched their careers at mtu. “We are delighted that Paul Bruch is now the second of our engine mechanics to be awarded the title of best apprentice in Germany“, says Dr. Ulrich Dohle, member of the Tognum executive board and responsible for technology and operations.

mtu’s training course for engine mechanics is special because it is highly practice-oriented. “For us, it is important that the apprentices start working in assembly from day 1”, explains Dr. Dohle. “In that way, they are optimally prepared for future service in our factories.” The course program includes one or two days a week at a vocational college studying theory.

Since finishing his training, Paul Bruch has been a skilled worker in testing mtu Series 2000 engines. His tasks include the assembly of prototypes and pre-series engines. “During training, I got to know all the working steps – from assembling the first parts to working on the test stand, and I’m benefiting from that experience now“, he says.

This is the fourth year in which the DIHK has paid tribute to Germany’s best apprentices. This year, over 200 top apprentices will receive a certificate and a cup. All recipients of the award attained at least the grade “very good” in their final test and are therefore the best among over 300,000 examinees.