Wiegand recognized for early completion of apprenticeship program

A job well done – Rockwell Collins Industry Mechanic Torsten Wiegand (middle) was recognized recently for completing his apprenticeship six months ahead of schedule. Pictured with Wiegand are (from left): Karlheinz Fallenstein, manager of the Rockwell Collins Deutschland Apprenticeship Training Program and Ulrich Klein, manager of Human Resources.
Photo by Armin Goeckel, Heidelberg, Germany

Torsten Wiegand knows how to get the job done. At the tender age of 20, Wiegand completed his 3-1/2-year apprenticeship with Rockwell Collins Deutschland six months ahead of schedule.

A standard part of the country's dual education system, apprenticeships in Germany occur following the completion of primary education. Students receive on-the-job training at an area company, and also gain knowledge through formal education or vocational training.

At Rockwell Collins Deutschland, students must achieve a certain score to complete their respective apprenticeship and receive an official company contract. In September 2004, after completing a series of tests and making a presentation that included his career goals, Wiegand was formally admitted to our company. He completed his apprenticeship in July 2007.

"Torsten received a score of 1.5 and 1 is the best score that can be achieved," said Karlheinz Fallenstein, manager of the Rockwell Collins Deutschland Apprenticeship Training Program. "Our boys and girls have always finished among the best, and most of them are still working at our company; some of them are even in leadership positions."

According to Fallenstein, the apprenticeship program began in the early 1960s, and continues to help our company recruit the talented people we need to carry us into the future.

Wiegand finished within the top 140 out of about 3,700 apprentices working in various disciplines across the Rhine-Neckar Region. He also was one of only six industry mechanics in the top 140.

Dr. Gerhard Vogel, president of Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK) in Mannheim, was among about 1,000 guests invited to honor the graduates for their outstanding results.

"I had so many great teachers and have learned so many things during my time at Rockwell Collins Deutschland," said Wiegand. "I feel I am now well-equipped to handle my future career at Rockwell Collins."