"Chemistry is really intense"
When the block school is about to start for the lab technician apprentices, minds are working hard in the study room. For two weeks, the apprentices prepare intensively for school. Everyone agrees: "Chemistry is really intense."
Justin Schuster will begin his third year as a lab technician in September. "The ten weeks of vocational school are a challenge, but the group preparation is really fun," says Justin. As an outsider, you quickly get a sense of how complex the subject of chemistry can be. Extremely exhausting when numerous exams are coming up, but also incredibly awesome when it comes to the diverse tasks in the textile lab. So, not only is exam stress in the air, but the enthusiasm for the chosen profession is also palpable. "The great working atmosphere already convinced me during the trial day and was definitely a reason why I decided to pursue this apprenticeship. During the apprenticeship, you get to know the entire lab and work with a wide range of methods," Justin explains.
What does GT actually do?
"I didn't even know about the lab technician apprenticeship until Getzner Textil introduced itself to us at school," Justin recalls. However, Justin already knew that Getzner Textil has a good reputation and employs over 1,500 people, as his uncle, who is a year older, is currently doing an apprenticeship as a metal technician at Getzner. The range of tasks in the lab is as varied as the product range, which includes fabrics for African fashion, protective clothing, and acoustic textiles. "For example, we test the pH value of fabrics and various other parameters, such as water permeability or flammability. We also mix colors and check how much fabrics bleed during washing."
Work first, then pleasure?
"Work – before my apprenticeship, that was something you did on a construction site, for example." So, basically, hands-on, physical labor? "Yes, exactly. That's why working in the lab doesn't even feel like work," Justin laughs. Perhaps that's why Justin has found the right physical challenge at the Lobos martial arts club in Rankweil. For the past two years, he has been training four to seven times a week and has big goals. It makes you think: "Wow, that's intense."
