Apprentice competition: Salzburg honors its best automotive technicians

Apprentice competition: Salzburg honors its best automotive technicians

Matthias Nußbaumer from the IVECO company in Eugendorf was able to emerge victorious in an exciting competition against the tough competition in Salzburg. Johannes Kreer (Autohaus Vierthaler/St. Johann) took 2nd place, followed by Georg Höller (Pappas/Maishofen), who achieved 3rd place. "The performance was simply outstanding, as was the commitment. You immediately notice the love for the job and technology," says Walter Aigner, guild master of the Salzburg automotive technicians, delighted with the result.

Different problems 

The prospective automotive technicians, who are currently completing the third of a total of four years of training, were confronted with different problems at a total of eight stations. These ranged from troubleshooting a modern gasoline engine to correctly adjusting the brakes or measuring the vehicle axles. The focus was on the systematic approach to troubleshooting and subsequent resolution. "The job profile has changed extremely, because the car is now a complex, high-tech machine. Technical know-how, the use of computers and constant further training are required. The workshops also have to stay on the ball and always be equipped with the latest technical standards," informs Josef Nußbaumer, chairman of the Salzburg state vehicle trade committee.

Good earning potential

A total of 577 apprentices are currently being trained as automotive technicians in the state of Salzburg, including 23 young women. "Women often underestimate themselves and are rather reserved when it comes to technology. But that is slowly changing and that's a good thing," Aigner is convinced, pointing out the attractiveness of dual training. It takes 3.5 years to complete your apprenticeship. Anyone who wants to carry out repairs on electric and hybrid vehicles in the future must also successfully complete the “System Electronics” module. This increases the apprenticeship period to 4 years. “In cars with alternative drive technology, voltages of up to 400 volts can occur, which is why handling hybrid and electric cars requires safe handling of high-voltage systems and this needs to be learned,” explains Aigner. Even as an apprentice, there are good earning potential in the automotive technology industry. Depending on the year of apprenticeship, the apprentice's compensation is between 702 euros and 1,550 euros gross per month. There are currently 302 apprenticeships in the automotive technology sector open in the state of Salzburg.