frequently asked questions about the metalworker (construction technology) apprenticeship (m/f/d)

Based in Gersthofen near Augsburg, seele GmbH creates innovative façade and building envelope solutions worldwide using steel, glass, aluminium and membranes. Across a production area of around 76,000 sqm, the company plans, manufactures and implements complex construction projects for renowned architects and companies. In doing so, the company relies on modern technologies, high quality standards and innovative solutions in façade construction.

As a Metalworker Specialising in Construction Technology, you fabricate, machine and assemble steel and aluminium structures. You read and understand technical drawings, operate modern machinery and tools, and ensure that all components are manufactured with precision and meet high quality standards.

As a Metalworker Specialising in Construction Technology, you will work in various areas of production during your apprenticeship at seele in Gersthofen and gain an understanding of different manufacturing processes.

Your typical tasks include, for example, cutting to size and machining metal components, welding and bolting together structures, as well as drilling, milling, grinding and assembling individual components. Your duties will also include assembling individual components and carrying out pre-assembly work, including the fitting of glass. Furthermore, you will read and understand technical drawings, check the quality of the manufactured components and work with modern machinery as well as various measuring and testing equipment.

In this way, you will gradually develop the practical and technical expertise you need to manufacture high-quality façade and steel structures within an internationally active company.

The dual apprenticeship as a Metalworker Specialising in Construction Technology (m/f/d) usually lasts 3.5 years and takes place both within the company and at vocational school. Under certain conditions, the duration of the apprenticeship may be shortened.

For this apprenticeship, you should:

• have a secondary school leaving certificate,
• have manual skills and a good understanding of technical matters,
• be interested in metalworking and modern manufacturing techniques,
• work carefully and precisely,
• enjoy working in a team and be reliable.

The apprenticeship is strongly practice-oriented. Right from the start, you’ll be actively involved in production and learn how to use various machines, robotics, tools and manufacturing techniques. The practical training is complemented by lessons at the vocational school, where you’ll learn the theoretical basics of materials, design engineering and manufacturing processes.

At seele, you won’t be producing the same series parts day in, day out: our façade projects are bespoke – which means your tasks will always be varied. During your apprenticeship, you’ll gain experience across various areas of production and assembly, and learn about different materials, machines and manufacturing processes.

Even after your apprenticeship, a wide range of career paths will be open to you: you can progress within the production department, work on international construction sites in the installation team, or, for example, erect façade structures for testing at our test site.

On your first day at seele in Gersthofen near Augsburg, you will meet the other apprentices, dual-study students, and your trainers. You will learn about the company and take part in exciting tours of our production facilities and the entire site.

After a shared lunch, you will be welcomed by your mentor, who will support you during your first weeks and help you settle in quickly. You will then get to know the team you will be working with during your first year of training.

Vocational school lessons take place in blocks at the vocational school. There, you’ll study the theoretical foundations of the profession and deepen your knowledge in subjects such as manufacturing technology, design engineering, materials science, technical mathematics, and economics and social studies.

The combination of theoretical lessons and practical training creates a solid foundation for successfully completing your apprenticeship and prepares you perfectly for everyday working life as a Metalworker Specialising in Construction Technology.

The goal of the apprenticeship programme at seele is to offer you a permanent position. This is also reflected in our consistently high retention rate. If both parties are satisfied with the apprenticeship and the terms of future employment are suitable for both you and the company, there is nothing standing in the way of your permanent hire.

After completing your apprenticeship, a wide range of career development opportunities will be open to you. For example, you can train to become an Master Craftsman in Metalworking (m/f/d) or a Technician (m/f/d), or specialise in specific manufacturing and welding processes. As you gain more professional experience, you can also take on greater responsibility – for example, as a Foreman (m/f/d), Master Craftsman (m/f/d) or Head (m/f/d) of a production area – whilst continuing to develop both professionally and personally.

There is also the opportunity to move into the installation department and work on our international construction sites (including for limited periods, for example, for a single project). Within the assembly department, there are also opportunities for promotion, for example to Installation Supervisor (m/f/d) or Site Manager (m/f/d).

Metalworkers (m/f/d) are also employed at our test site in Gersthofen. This is where our test structures for façades and building envelopes are constructed, on which tests – such as those for wind and water tightness – are then carried out. This means that our test site could also become your workplace after your apprenticeship.

During your apprenticeship, you will work in the production department in accordance with the working hours applicable there. Depending on your area of work, you may be required to work shifts. Whether you work shifts also depends on your age. Once you have reached the age of majority, you are free to work shifts without restriction; before that, the German Youth Employment Protection Act applies. We will, of course, inform you of the exact working hours before your apprenticeship begins.

The training allowance varies depending on the year of training. In the first year of training, the allowance is €1,100 gross and increases in subsequent years.

As an apprentice (m/f/d) at seele GmbH in Gersthofen, you’ll be entitled to 30 days of annual leave. Special leave can also be requested if required.

Yes! A school work experience placement is an ideal opportunity to get to know the role of a warehouse logistics specialist and gain an initial insight into the areas of goods receipt, warehousing, order picking and dispatch.

You can apply for this by submitting a speculative application.

Application documents

You can apply directly online for the Metalworker Specialising in Construction Technology (m/f/d). On our trainee page, you will find the relevant job posting for your chosen profession if vacancies are still available. Simply open the job advertisement and click “Apply now” at the end of the page to access the application form. Applications for an internship can be submitted as a speculative application.

Confirmation

Once you have uploaded your application documents (cover letter, CV, your three most recent school reports and, if applicable, certificates from previous internships) via our online application portal and submitted your application, you will receive a confirmation email. This lets you know that we have successfully received your documents.

Job interview

Our HR team will then carefully review your application. If everything is a good fit, we will invite you to an interview so that we can get to know each other better. The interview is usually conducted by your future trainer or apprenticeship supervisor. The interview is not only an opportunity for us to learn more about you – it is also your chance to ask any questions you may have about the apprenticeship, your future role or seele as a company.

Apprenticeship contract

If, after the interview, you can see yourself starting your apprenticeship with us and we believe you would be a great addition to our team, we will arrange a further meeting to sign your apprenticeship contract. If you are under 18, your parents or legal guardians are also welcome to attend.

Your apprenticeship will then begin on 1 September, and we look forward to welcoming you to the seele team.

Other apprenticeship programmes (open to all genders) at seele GmbH in Gersthofen, near Augsburg, include:

• Technical System Planner Steel and Metal Construction Technology
• IT Specialist in System Integration
• IT Specialist in Application Development
• Digitalisation Management Assistant
• Industrial Management Assistant
• Warehouse Logistics Specialist
• Metal Cutting Mechanic