In 2023, you started your apprenticeship as a polymechanic. What appeals to you about this profession?
That you work a lot with your hands but at the same time have to think carefully about what you are doing. I also like working in a team and with many different machines. I have just started using a lathe and think it’s terrific. I’ve always enjoyed hands-on work, but at first I never considered doing something like this as a profession. After the FMS (school-based vocational training), I initially enrolled in training to become a nurse. However, already in the first year I realized that it wasn’t for me. So, in 2022, I dropped out of nursing training and had the opportunity to test the workshop here.

Can you explain, in a nutshell, what a polymechanic does?
Fundamentally, using metals or synthetic materials, they produce tools, components, custom-made items and prototypes. This includes manual work, using various machines such as lathes, milling and boring machines or grinders, but also operating computer-controlled machines. I started out with filing and soon realized that it can be quite strenuous (she laughs).

Why did you decide to do your training at the Biozentrum?
During my work experience visit, I saw that the workshop was quite large and the work very varied. All sorts of things were produced here for the labs, and the orders that come in are very diverse. And the new Biozentrum is just awesome.

You are working in the workshop as the first woman in what was previously an all-male team. How do you feel about that?
I find it quite amusing that everyone asks me about this. For me, it’s not strange in any way but completely normal. It all depends on the people, and here it’s comfortable – they are friendly and fun to work with. I am also the only woman in the school classes. That is absolutely fine for me.

And speaking about school: you work at the Biozentrum and go to school certain days a week. What do you learn there?
Math, physics and technical drawing. You learn to read and understand orders that you receive in the form of drawings. Also production and mechanical engineering – in short, many technical subjects. I try to get as much as possible out of the classes so that I don’t have to study so much at home. I aim to complete what is needed on the same day, because after a day at work you are too tired. You just need to plan well, and then there’s enough time for friends, family, relaxing and – when I manage to motivate myself – also for fitness training (she laughs).