What was the most unusual thing you’ve done at Henkel?
I am a trainee electronics technician in automation systems and I staged an improvisation theatre here at Henkel before an audience of about 300 people. About three months earlier we attended a week’s course on improvisation theatre during which our trainee year practised various forms of play and learnt what teamwork is really all about. The best improvisation just doesn’t come off unless the team thinks the same and backs each other up whatever happens. It was quite difficult presenting the most varied emotional states and situations almost at the press of a button and feeling one’s way into the roles concerned. We all had terrible stage fright on the day, but we put on a super show and we were really proud of ourselves.

What form does your work at Henkel take?
Electronics technicians in automation technology make sure that electrical systems and resources run smoothly. They also carry out regular maintenance work on complex control and instrumentation systems in production plants. Another field of our work is the planning and installation of industrial plant for manufacturing end products and guaranteeing safety standards. We write control programs for the automation equipment that controls production processes.

What is the special challenge?
There are new challenges every day which you have to face, sometimes on your own or sometimes in groups. Even as trainees we all have to stand on our own feet here, and work very carefully. So whatever we are doing, our instructors have complete trust in us.

What motivates you?
Quite simply I enjoy working at Henkel very much. So despite being a late sleeper, I now manage to get up at 5 in the morning as it takes me quite some time to get to work. Nonetheless, I drive to work every day because the atmosphere here is really great, and I receive comprehensive and qualified training.