How did you get into this profession?
My enthusiasm for the construction industry emerged early on. Even as a child, I was fascinated by the construction process. I also always found the many machines used on the construction site exciting. That's why I decided to study civil engineering in combination with an apprenticeship in road construction. The combination of theoretical knowledge and practical experience not only allows you to better understand the planning and realisation of construction projects, but also to actively participate in them.
What does your apprenticeship involve?
The three-year apprenticeship is divided into many blocks lasting several weeks. You alternate between vocational school, the training centre, the construction site or, from the second year of the apprenticeship, the technical college.
Vocational school is all about theoretical understanding. How is a road built? What needs to be considered when constructing a pipeline? What materials and rocks are used in construction?
To put what you have learnt into practice, you spend a few weeks a year at the training construction yard. You can think of it as a giant covered sandpit where you use simple tools such as a hammer, spirit level and string to create paving surfaces from concrete or natural stone. This quickly gives you a feel for the craft.
Then it's onto the actual work on the construction site. The work is extremely varied. This includes pipeline construction, asphalt paving, earthworks, creating kerbs and gutters and much more.
The theoretical background is taught at the technical college. How do you dimension a road superstructure? What properties are required of a road surface and how can this be achieved? Static systems are also calculated and the legal background is explained.
What does a normal working day look like for you?
There is no such thing as "one" working day. Depending on the construction site and the current progress, for example, pipelines are laid or onboard systems installed. On other days, you get to get on the compactor and compact the subgrade with a huge mass of almost 13 tonnes. On other days, you accompany the asphalt paving. The list of tasks is varied, which is why no two working days are the same.
This contrasts with the rather quieter everyday life at the university. You attend various lectures together with your fellow students. In subjects such as maths, technical mechanics, geotechnics or road engineering, you are given the tools to master a wide range of challenges later in your career.
Where do you prefer to be, in the office or on the construction site?
That's not so easy to answer. I would say it's the mix that makes the difference!
And that's also the great thing about this profession - you don't have to choose one or the other.
What advice would you give to someone interested in this degree programme?
I can only recommend the dual study programme to anyone. You have the opportunity to apply the theoretical knowledge from the university directly in practice. This often makes it easier to understand work processes. In addition, you earn your own money during your apprenticeship and are therefore able to stand on your own two feet early on.
What has been your highlight during your apprenticeship so far?
My highlight on most construction sites is asphalt paving. Watching lorries arrive with fresh mix every minute and seeing a road take shape within a few days is always impressive. Of course, the first drive on the new carriageway is always something very special.
What do you enjoy most?
Working together with my colleagues at PORR and studying and learning with my fellow students is what I enjoy most. And of course working outdoors, especially in summer.
