Mercer Stendal welcomes eight new apprentices

Arneburg, August 2, 2021 – At the start of the 2021/2022 training year, Mercer Stendal welcomed eight new apprentices at its site in Arneburg Industrial Park on Monday. From now on, they will learn the professions of industrial mechanic, chemical laboratory technician, mechatronics technician, electronics technician for industrial engineering, and management assistant for forwarding and logistics services.

“We’re glad you’re here,” said Human Resources Manager, Ralf Donk, in welcoming them. “We know how difficult it is for young people these days to choose the right path for the future. The fact that you have chosen Mercer is a vote of confidence for us on your part, which we will try to return. I would like to give you the following tip: ask questions! That’s the only way our colleagues can get a good idea of what you know or what you want to know,” continued Donk. 

Moving forward, Leon Flöther will learn the profession of industrial mechanic at the pulp mill. “There are a lot of new things coming up for me now. It’s definitely a change,” says the 18-year-old, looking forward to this new start. But before things really get going for the trainees, occupational safety is a top priority. 

“In addition to the personal work clothing required for their training, they also receive safety instruction and a short training course on the basic processes in the plant,” reports Lisa Wechsung, who is responsible for all trainees at Mercer Stendal. “In addition, we are also planning an apprentice camp where the new apprentices can get to know their predecessors from previous years and exchange ideas, in addition to learning about the company’s values,” Wechsung continued.

“I actually wanted to become a paper technologist,” David Ziems, one of the trainees, told us.  “But I was encouraged by acquaintances from the plant to learn to be a chemical technician,” the 17-year-old continued. Over the next few years, the eight newcomers will not only receive qualified training, but will also have a variety of projects to discover.

With the start of this year’s trainees, the search for next year’s apprentices begins – showing the high priority training holds for Mercer. “We are aiming to welcome significantly more young people to start their training with us next year,” says Wechsung. To this end, Mercer Stendal is looking for school graduates who would like to become paper technologists, warehouse logistics specialists, and a number of other professions.

Pictured: Lisa Wechsung (training officer, from left) welcomed Jonas Knofflock, Ben Luca Schirmel, Marlon Klas, Lina Mangelsdorf, Leon Flöther, Daniel Knackmuß, Louis Lennox Schulz and David Ziems to the Arneburg pulp mill at the start of their training.