Women on the assembly line – Part 1

PÖTTINGER promotes women working in technology. There are several women employed in the assembly team who happy to have turned their passion for technology into their job.

We will be introducing some of these dedicated female technicians in the coming issues.

Carina Lengauer is 23 years old and has been working in our company since 01 September 2013. She is a trained steel construction technician.

PÖTTINGER: Why did you choose to become a steel construction engineer?

Carina Lengauer: I was always interested in making things. I enjoyed going to Girls' Days at various companies to try out manufacturing work. That was when I realised I wanted to work with metal. I have had a bit of influence from home too because my mum works in mechanical engineering and my brothers are also in the metals industry. Because my dad is a cook, I chose to study at a technical college (HBLA) where you learn to cook as well. But it is really hands-on technical stuff that I'm into.

PÖTTINGER: Which course did you take?

Carina Lengauer: After I had completed college, I wanted to work as an apprentice in steel construction, but it was not easy to find a place. I managed to find an apprenticeship working at several companies, finishing off at a vehicle manufacturer.

PÖTTINGER: Which skills did you need there?

Carina Lengauer: I needed manual skills as well as being able to decipher drawings and parts lists. You also need to be able to work in a team since I was working closely with my colleagues. The most important thing is a high level of quality awareness. I work on the final quality check of the TOP 1252 and HIT 10.11.

PÖTTINGER: What do you think of your workplace?

Carina Lengauer: I enjoy my work and feel good doing what I do. My colleagues are all very helpful. PÖTTINGER places great emphasis on ergonomics and there is always the right lifting gear available for shifting heavy loads.

PÖTTINGER: If you had a second chance, would you choose this job again?

Carina Lengauer: This is not an everyday job, and I would definitely choose it again. The working ours are also an advantage. If I had chosen to become a cook, the hours would be very different, with weekend work as well. This is much better for me.

PÖTTINGER: What are your objectives?

Carina Lengauer: I would be interested in taking a course on materials engineering. That could be an interesting investment for the future.

PÖTTINGER: What are your hobbies?

Carina Lengauer: My favourite hobby is motorcycling. Because I have a truck driver's licence, I can also help my boyfriend on the farm. He drives the combine and I drive the truck. The only thing we argue about is welding. It is something that I enjoy doing, but then I have to let him do it anyway.

PÖTTINGER: Many thanks for talking to us!