A variety of career paths at Mercer Stendal: From internship to management

At Mercer Stendal, numerous doors are open for individual careers, regardless of where they are in their professional life. The company offers a wide range of entry-level opportunities and development prospects, ranging from student internships to management positions. An outstanding example of such a career path is Nils Kayatz, who worked his way up from apprentice to certified technical supervisor and future team lead in the automation division at the softwood kraft mill.

Initial opportunities for external candidates: From school to career changers

Mercer Stendal believes that there is “more than just one career path.” This is reflected in the wide range of options available to external applicants:

• For students: Curious students can gain initial insights into the world of work through internships or the annual Girls’ Day.
• For university students: We offer practical semesters and thesis supervision to allow students to apply their theoretical knowledge in practice.
• For experienced professionals and career changers: Whether you are a skilled specialist or a motivated career changer, you will find the right opportunity at Mercer Stendal. We are open to talent from various industries and offer tailor-made entry-level positions.

Development opportunities for employees: Grow with the company

Mercer Stendal attaches great importance to the continuous development of its employees. The company supports targeted further training to deepen professional expertise and acquire new skills. Whether through specialization, participation in external training courses, or even training to become a certified industrial foreman, the company promotes the professional growth and personal ambitions of its workforce. The credo is: “If you want to, you can grow with us.”

Nils Kayatz: An impressive career from apprentice to automation supervisor

Nils Kayatz is a great example of the internal development opportunities available. His professional journey at Mercer Stendal started in August 2016 with an apprenticeship as a mechatronics engineer. He had originally started studying mechanical engineering (Automation technicians work directly with machines and control systems that automate tasks), but decided to go for a more hands-on career. His fascination with electrical engineering, which he discovered early on at his grandfather’s farm, led him to mechatronics.

After completing his training in February 2020, Nils Kayatz started working as an automation technician (automation technicians work directly with machines and control systems that automate tasks), at the plant. In his annual performance reviews with his supervisor, he always expressed his interest in further development and took on his first management responsibilities in 2022. He stood in for the team supervisor during a long absence as well as during periods of illness and vacation. A particular challenge came in September 2022, when he successfully organized and coordinated a general overhaul in his department. This achievement positioned him as a promising candidate to succeed the supervisor in the automation department.

To officially take on this position, a technical supervisor training program, in German Meisterschule, was essential. The Meisterschule is a formal, advanced vocational training program that prepares experienced workers to become Meister (masters) in their trade. Nils Kayatz began this training in August 2024 at the master school in Hameln. Mercer Stendal provided him with comprehensive support during the full-time school phase from August to December 2024: The company provided accommodation and covered the training costs. During this intensive learning phase, Nils Kayatz lived in a shared apartment, which promoted mutual exchange and motivation. He actively exchanged ideas with colleagues who had already completed the master’s program to clarify organizational and technical questions.

After successfully completing this certification program for industrial supervisors, he began his induction period, during which he accompanied his long-standing colleague and gradually took over his tasks. From January 1, 2026, Nils Kayatz will take over the entire management of the Automation division and lead a team of 12 employees.

Future plans and management philosophy

Although Nils Kayatz will then assume full responsibility for his division, he is not currently planning any further career moves. “No, I don’t have any plans beyond that at the moment. I want to concentrate on managing the employees and mastering the tasks and challenges ahead in the best possible way,” says Kayatz. He feels well-positioned in his new role and is confident about managing employees, even though he has no direct experience in this area. His positive experience in the transition from apprentice to skilled worker gives him confidence. His declared goal is to ensure employee satisfaction in his department.

He feels strengthened and supported by the entire engineering department and the managers at Mercer Stendal.

This career path at Mercer Stendal is not an isolated case and impressively underscores how the Arneburg-based company promotes individual talents and enables them to build successful and fulfilling careers within the pulp mill.