ENGEL Apprentices Visit U.S. Capitol
Ambassador Petra Schneebauer and the ENGEL delegation
(c) Austrian Embassy Washington
On May 28, 2024, apprentices from ENGEL Machinery Inc – an Austrian company working in plastics processing (injection molding machines, technologies, and digital solutions) – visited the nation’s capital. Ambassador Petra Schneebauer greeted them and took them on a tour through the Capitol.
ENGEL sent their best apprentices of the year to spend time at the U.S. subsidiary in order to gain work experience abroad and get to know the country. The apprentices are also encouraged to use their acquired skills and engage with their U.S. counterparts.
These visits build on the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Austria and the U.S. signed on April 13, 2022 that aims to expand registered apprenticeships among Austrian companies and Austrian-invested companies in the US in order to promote job creation in both countries. Apprenticeship cooperation and workforce development are one of the priorities of the Austrian Embassy.
During their brief stay in DC, we sat down and had a chat with the two apprentices Melinda Greisinger and Kathrin Winischofer and asked them to share their experience with us.
Melinda Greisinger | (c) Private
How would you describe your experience as an apprentice in a few words?
I was taught analytical thinking, creativity in finding solutions and a hands-on mentality during my apprenticeship.
How did you experience your stay abroad at ENGEL Machinery Inc in America? What were the highlights?
The internship at the U.S. subsidiary offered a unique opportunity to gain valuable professional experience abroad and a new perspective on the world of work. Working with my American colleagues was enriching and developed my language and personal skills. It was exciting to make new contacts over a longer period of time and to get to know a new culture.
What differences did you notice between the working world in America and the working world in Austria? Were there any special challenges or advantages that you noticed?
One noticeable difference in the USA is that many colleagues in production have a university degree, which leads to a high level of technical expertise within the team. The practical training in Austria, on the other hand, promotes the technical skills that I was able to benefit from during my internship abroad. One challenge was the technical vocabulary in English that came up when working with different departments.
How did the internship at ENGEL Machinery Inc affect your professional goals and personal development?
In view of the constantly changing technical requirements, I felt the need to deepen my knowledge through additional training after my apprenticeship. Working in special automation in particular has strengthened my ability to work independently and overcome new challenges.
Kathrin Winischofer | (c) Pia Paulinec Photography
How would you describe your experience as an apprentice in a few words?
My experience was informative, enriching and exciting.
How did you experience your stay abroad at ENGEL Machinery Inc in America? What were the highlights?
One highlight was certainly the opportunity to work in an international environment and collaborate with colleagues from different countries. This allowed me not only to exchange specialist knowledge, but also to gain cultural insights. It was also particularly exciting to work on projects that had a direct impact on the production processes.
Another highlight was the chance to get to know American working life and culture better. I met new people and was warmly welcomed into the community.
What differences did you notice between the working world in America and the working world in Austria? Were there any special challenges or advantages that you noticed?
The main challenge was the technical English and adapting to a new working environment, as I now work in a different department in Austria. Spontaneity and improvisation were required, especially in certain situations, but I found this easy.
How did the internship at ENGEL Machinery Inc affect your professional goals and personal development?
On a professional level, the internship has given me valuable expertise, particularly in the area of technical English and adapting to a new working environment.
In addition, the internship has helped my personal development by allowing me to step out of my comfort zone and take on new challenges. I learned to be flexible, react spontaneously and adapt quickly to new situations. These skills are extremely valuable not only in my professional life, but also in my personal life and have boosted my self-confidence.
Photos (c) Austrian Embassy Washington
