Can-Ivan Bal (age 16), Design Engineer apprentice at company headquarters in Uzwil, Switzerland.
A propensity for tinkering, an interest in technology and good cognitive skills: these assets were what inspired Can-Ivan to apply for an apprenticeship position as a Design Engineer at Buhler. His original lead came from Croatia: an uncle of the then 15 year-old worked there with a major food producer which was involved with Buhler. At a barbeque, he saw the pocket knife, his oncle gave him, with the Buhler logo on it, which then led him to sign up for a 5-day trial apprenticeship at Buhler.“My training started with a 2-day orientation camp”, recalls the St. Gallen native. The goal of this was to get acquainted with the other apprentices as well as the company, and to develop basic principles of how to conduct oneself in a respectful manner towards one’s co-workers. “Needless to say, we also had a lot of fun”.
“In our first year of training we receive a broad core education. We learn how to draft on a drafting board as well as on a computer, how to configure and document product specifications and much more”. The apprentices are mentored full-time by an experienced professional. “In addition to learning the technical skills of the job, social skills are also given a high priority, such as in the establishment of ground rules of maintaining good relations with one another but also in terms of how to communicate effectively”.
What also appeals to this Thai boxing enthusiast and hobby cook is the existence of a company apprenticeship association at Buhler headquarters in Uzwil, which organizes different activities such as Go-Kart rides, ski weekends and movie nights. According to Can-Ivan, “this too shows that Buhler places a high value on occupational training”.
