Some very good results were achieved at the 2020 final examination for Bavarian surface coaters (IHK/HWK) in Nuremberg. The best student of the year traditionally received the challenge cup.
Thirty candidates took the theory exam on June 16, which had been postponed due to coronavirus. The subjects of quality and environment, process engineering and economics were tested in compliance with a strict hygiene concept. The practical exam was then held on July 14-16, also under coronavirus conditions. Here, the candidates have to demonstrate their skills in the laboratory (analysis of electrolytes and waste water as well as hull cell tests) and in electroplating. In school electroplating, 4 components must be coated with defined coating systems (decorative or technical surface). The requirements must be fulfilled within a time frame of 11 hours.
Examination winner Ilgner (center) is happy with his instructors Daniel Simic (right) and Rainer Heppeler
As part of the examination, each candidate had to take part in a technical discussion on a topic of their choice and a predetermined topic (30 minutes). The technical discussions often relate to special topics from the training companies. This year's top student for Bavaria, Dimitri Ilgner (TE Connectivity Germany GmbH), chose the topic of "strip electroplating" for his technical discussion. He thus joins the list of 15 previous winners of the challenge cup, which has been sponsored by TÜV Rheinland Academy since 2007.
The snack was also corona-compliant
On October 12, 2020, the challenge cup and the corresponding certificates were officially presented to Ilgner and the training company. The presentation was made by Claudia Diedrichs, head of the graduating class, Dr. Andreas Bösch, head of the technical college in Nuremberg and Norbert Distelrath, chairman of the IHK examination board. The individual examination sections were honored in a short speech. At the same time, the training company and the trainers Simic for the electroplating section and Heppeler for the overall training were thanked for their outstanding training. When the trophy was presented, it was pointed out that the trophy should be a motivation to acquire further skills in the field of surface technology. Most of the previous award winners have used their good starting position and completed further training, e.g. to become a technician or master craftsman. Ilgner, who joined the apprenticeship as a career changer, is planning to train as a master craftsman. Trainers pointed out that it is not easy to find suitable young people for this complex apprenticeship. Electroplating still has a false, negative image in the public eye. In reality, it is impossible to imagine modern technology without it.
The electrical contacts manufactured at TE Connectivity are used in all modern technology. TE Connectivity employs almost 2000 people at its Dinkelsbühl (Sinbronn) and Wört sites. The company trains 106 apprentices in various professions every year. For about 5 years now also in the field of strip electroplating. Here, 3 to 4 surface coaters are trained each year. After winning this year and the previous year, the trainers are hoping to win another trophy in 2021.
After the trophy and certificates were presented to the winner and his training company, the event ended with a small, corona-compliant snack. An informative tour of the newly built training workshop was later organized for the recipients of the trophy.
Photos: TE Connectivity Germany GmbH
