A Day in a Life: Neele and Patrick experience the same training differently

Same training, same experience? Absolutely not! Neele and Patrick are proving that different characters can find their place in one and the same profession. In their training in the IT department, the two master different challenges and take away different insights.

Patrick and Neele have been apprentices in the IT department at ATLAS ELEKTRONIK since 2022. Although they are learning the same profession, their tasks are different. But there is more to it than sitting in front of a computer. Further training or activities on topics such as health or family are also part of the daily work routine at ATLAS ELEKTRONIK.

_{Many paths lead to the goal}

Neele and Patrick continuously grow beyond themselves in their training at ATLAS ELEKTRONIK and face new challenges.

What basis do you actually need to start training? For Neele, it's clear: "You should already have a high school diploma. Dropouts are also welcome. I previously studied Cognitive Science." She can now set aside her previous concerns that she might lack basic knowledge and confidence. As she now knows, you learn all the necessary skills in training and grow beyond yourself over time.

Patrick also agrees with this. Nevertheless, qualities such as logical thinking, spatial thinking, mathematical understanding, and English skills should be present in his opinion.

He chose the apprenticeship because he enjoys programming and the challenges it brings. Neele also had her first contact with computer science during her studies. Since she was particularly enthusiastic about this module, it quickly became clear to her that she wanted to gain more practical experience: "Creativity is what makes this career field so special. It's incredible to look over the shoulders of good computer scientists when they code, and to see the skill, pattern of thoughts and creative approaches they use to solve problems."

In ATLAS, Neele has found a place to work where she feels she can make a difference: "I want to develop products that have an impact. I would like to work for a company where I feel that I am important to the company as a person. I can do that here!". Patrick also feels in good hands at ATLAS. For him, the company is an employee-friendly and future-oriented employer.

Safety first

Data protection plays a particularly important role in working in the IT department, as both emphasize. To prevent unauthorized persons from gaining access to sensitive data, it is protected by a password. However, it also happens that those to be depicted first need clearance in order to access the data. "We have to handle data very sensitively and conscientiously, so security risks can naturally arise quickly. Since I've only been working here for a short time, my current strategy is to ask more often, and of course to work carefully," Neele summarizes.

How will the profession change with AI?

In the future, Patrick thinks, his workplace will be transformed by artificial intelligence. After all, AIs "are already able to create program codes and apply them correctly. As a result, my job may be eliminated altogether in the future, since AI is faster than a human and then usually more accurate." Neele's personal prognosis on the subject is more optimistic: "I have a positive attitude toward the future and am happy about every development from which we can learn something. I think that AI should not be overestimated, but rather seen as a useful tool. And at first, AIs have to be developed by someone, they don't just grow out of the ground."

Young talents should follow their interests

At the moment, both are struggling with their own personal challenges as in any apprenticeship. For Patrick it is difficult to establish initial contact with different people. Neele, on the other hand, finds it particularly challenging to acquire completely new skills. Either way, both of them face their challenges in order to grow personally and in their apprenticeship.

If you have an interest in computer science, an open mind, and the ability to learn quickly, this could be the path for you, both agree. Soft skills such as teamwork and creativity are also helpful. However, these skills can also be acquired on the job. For Neele, it is particularly important to encourage young people to go their own way: "Without people in my environment who encouraged me to pursue my interest and fascination, I wouldn't be here now. I thought the subject areas of computer science were too complex. But I'm here to learn and happy that I chose to train in the IT department at ATLAS."

If you, too, are interested in a career at ATLAS ELEKTRONIK or thyssenkrupp Marine Systems, take a look at our careers page, where you'll find all the current vacancies.