From 5 to 9 September this year, in the Polish city of Gdansk, the European vocational skills championships take place. We at Gottwald could not be prouder: Florian Steffek, one of our top fitters, will compete for Austria and go for a medal. Until then he has several intensive weeks of training ahead of him.
Preparations in full swing
To give Florian the greatest possible flexibility in his training, a container training workshop was set up on the company premises in Melk. It contains a practice booth with dimensions similar to the competition booths, so that he can run through the assembly, installation and programming of the practice project at any time, including outside working hours. The container has been equipped with all the necessary materials and tools – and the training plan is in place too.
Professional training
Florian has been training professionally since 26 April, with support from Bernhard Wilke, EuroSkills and WorldSkills expert for electrical engineering. He times each stage and demands constant repetition, stamina and precision. “ Florian is in the best of hands with Mr Wilke and is being excellently prepared. His focus is on the ideal balance between speed and accuracy,” says Thomas Grossinger, technical director at Gottwald.
As the competition runs over three days, the training is structured accordingly. “I will be spending a good few weekends in the container. After all, I want to represent my company and Austria as well as I possibly can,” Florian reflects.
Another important part of the preparation was a week of practice at a Swiss training centre on Lake Zurich. There the AustriaSkills team met participants from Switzerland, Germany and Liechtenstein and was able to run through the entire competition under time pressure. “I'm pleased with the new contacts I've made and with the valuable insights into how people work in other countries,” says our EuroSkills competitor.
About EuroSkills 2023
Around 600 young, ambitious skilled workers from 32 countries are competing in 43 occupations. Austria is strongly represented, with an expected 51 participants. Six of them come from Lower Austria.
About Florian Steffek
He began his apprenticeship as an electrical technician in August 2015 and qualified in June 2019. He then took his journeyman's examination and today works as a lead fitter in the company. From small electrical installations to inspecting electrical systems, he handles work across our entire range of services.
2019 was a successful year for Florian. He not only passed his final apprenticeship examination with distinction but also won the Lower Austrian competition for young electrical technicians . As regional champion he went on to take part in AustrianSkills 2022 in Salzburg, where he came second . Now he is part of Team Austria and therefore qualified to compete at the European championships.
We are keeping our fingers firmly crossed for Florian!
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