MAN ­Energy ­Solutions has yet again demonstrated the quality of its vocational training. The ­Construction ­Mechanic in Steel and ­Metal ­Engineering chosen as the 2024 national champion comes from ­Deggendorf.

Andreas ­Eder from ­Deggendorf is the best ­Construction ­Mechanic in ­Germany. The 20 year old completed his apprenticeship in ­January 2024 with 99 marks out of a possible 100 – the best result not just in ­Bavaria, but in the whole of ­Germany.

A passion for craftsmanship

“I was interested in working with my hands even when I was a kid and spent all my time tinkering in our home workshop,” ­Andreas explains. This passion, and talent too, drew the attention of ­Training ­Manager ­Christian ­Brandl to the young man when he was on an industrial placement at MAN ­Energy ­Solutions in ­Deggendorf. As a result, ­Andreas ­Eder embarked on his apprenticeship as a ­Construction ­Mechanic in ­Steel and ­Metal ­Engineering on 1 September 2020. He really enjoyed the experience: “The apprenticeship was well structured and I had great colleagues. Becoming national champion was never on my agenda. But I believe that everyone should take their apprenticeship seriously and see it as an opportunity. That means you have to make an effort in order to do as well as possible in your final exam.” ­Andreas put a lot into doing just that. He took part in inter-company exam preparation every Friday for six weeks and also studied at home, of course. There was also support from the company in the form of around 70 working hours spent on theory and four to five weeks on practice.

Apprenticeship concept bears fruit

For ­Christian ­Brandl, the triumph at national level is further proof that the apprenticeship model in ­Deggendorf is a success story. After four months of basic training in metal, the apprentices spend three months in ­Production in order to gain their first experience and get to know their colleagues before doing a four-month welding course in the training workshop. This close connection ensures that the young people can be employed in Production straight after their final exam. The company offers additional qualifications, such as crane and lifting platform courses, during the apprenticeship. ADAC driver’s orientation and safety training in Regensburg is a real highlight for the over-18s. By offering this, ­Christian ­Brandl wants to prevent road accidents when commuting not just to the plant, but to construction sites too.

Further training planned in the next few years

­Andreas ­Eder is already looking forward to gaining practical experience in Production in ­Deggendorf. Then, in a few years, he wants to train as a technician or foreman. For the time being, however, ­Andreas is enjoying his success, as well as the congratulations of his family, friends and colleagues.