Apprenticeships, work experience, degree courses: a path into plastics engineering
Max Baumtrog’s journey into plastics engineering began with a dual study programme at Pöppelmann and at Osnabrück University of Applied Sciences. His apprenticeship as a plastics and rubber technologist and his degree in plastics engineering went hand in hand, enabling him to combine theoretical knowledge directly with practical experience. Among other accolades, he was recognised as Germany’s top process mechanic for his achievements during his training. He is now nearing completion of his Bachelor’s degree. In this interview, Max explains what fascinates him about plastics engineering and which experiences have shaped him on his journey so far.
The path to plastics engineering
How did you get into plastics and rubber technology, and what attracted you to the profession?
Max: Actually, I ended up in plastics technology rather by a roundabout route. Originally, I wanted to study mechanical engineering on a dual-study programme because I’ve always been interested in technical subjects. At the time, mechanical engineering was simply the most obvious and best-known technical degree programme for me. However, when I applied to Pöppelmann, the relevant place on the course had already been filled. I was then offered the dual study programme in plastics engineering combined with an apprenticeship as a process mechanic for plastics and rubber technology.
What particularly appealed to you about this career path?
Max: To be honest, I’d never even heard of plastics and rubber technology before. But as I was interested in chemistry as well as technical subjects, I found the combination of both fields quite exciting. In hindsight, it turned out to be a very suitable alternative for me
You’re on a dual study programme and are currently writing your bachelor’s thesis in Osnabrück. What do you think makes the combination of work and study so special?
Max: For me, the link between theory and practice is particularly interesting. Much of the material I learn about in theory during my studies I can then see in practice at work and, in some cases, apply straight away. This helps you understand many connections even better and, at the same time, see how what you’ve learnt will be useful later on in your day-to-day working life. I find it particularly interesting that it works the other way round too: experience gained at work also helps you make better sense of the theoretical content in your degree.
Plastics engineering in everyday life
What is a typical working day like for you?
Max: At the moment, I’m finishing my Bachelor’s thesis and preparing the presentation for it. During my apprenticeship, a typical working day involved setting up machines for new production orders, adjusting the relevant process parameters and then starting up the machine. In the event of malfunctions or quality deviations, I had to intervene accordingly and investigate the cause. This meant that my day-to-day work was very varied, as different technical tasks and problems kept cropping up.
You’re among the top ten in your year group across Germany and were also honoured as Germany’s best process mechanic. What do you think made the difference?
Max: What probably helped me most was that I was genuinely interested in the subjects, which meant I enjoyed learning more about them. At the same time, during my apprenticeship I had very helpful colleagues who took the time to share their knowledge with me and teach me a great deal. On top of that, of course, there was ambition and discipline – and in the end, a bit of luck probably always plays a part too.
More than just plastics
What fascinates you about plastics as a material and the technology behind them?
Max: What I like best is the wide range of applications: from simple everyday products right through to high-performance components. I find the structure–property relationships particularly fascinating – in other words, the fact that the properties and behaviour of a plastic can be explained by its molecular structure. What fascinates me most about the technology is the interplay of the various influencing factors in the processing stage. In injection moulding in particular, I find it interesting how different process parameters can influence the behaviour of the material and, ultimately, the quality of the finished component.
Where do you want to go professionally, and what advice would you give to young people thinking about a career in the industry?
Max: For my professional future, my main hope is to continue working on topics that interest me and that I enjoy. To young people considering an apprenticeship in plastics technology, I’d advise them to keep an open mind about the field and simply take the time to find out more about it. I myself hadn’t even considered this career path before applying, and it was only afterwards that I realised just how varied and interesting plastics technology actually is.
Sources: Interview with Max Baumtrog, photo provided by Max Baumtrog
