Forty-three years ago I started training as a machinist with MAN. Back then it was a tough job: we would file away for hours at the same workpiece, often without any tangible result. But I wanted to show what I could do, so I gave my very best. I improved very quickly and became a specialist; I gradually trained my eye to become almost as reliable as a spirit level. Later I was given the chance to pass on my skills by training others. My trainees were so good that we won a silver medal at the Skill Olympics.

The interest from the media was incredible – I even shook hands with Prince Andrew. Today I am responsible for training in quality management, teaching young people the lesson I learned many years ago: that you can only achieve your very best with a positive attitude and stamina.
If you are 100 percent committed to your training, you’ll build a solid foundation for your future career.

As soon as I was in the interview at MAN it was obvious to me: all that counts for this company are my skills. I got the position as a trainee. Right from the start, a lot was asked of us in training and lot of encouragement was given to us. We moved from department to department every five to ten weeks in order to learn about the company as a whole. In my second year, a colleague and I organised and ran the week-long introductory seminar for new apprentices. Everybody thought it was great. At the moment I'm in the Incoming Goods department. Although I handle valuable goods there, I still work very independently. That shows how much trust MAN places in me. The other day my foreman came and asked whether I could extend my period in his department. He even offered to let me get my forklift truck licence. That's the way it is here: commitment is rewarded.

If you want to be successful, you must believe in yourself and be confident of your own abilities. At MAN I've learned to do both.

Even during my application process I realised: MAN expects more than just ordinary performance from its employees. For me, getting the nod from MAN to become a trainee specialist in inventory logistics was a personal success. During my training I went through several departments, where the working atmosphere was great and my colleagues were always happy to share their knowledge and skills with me. I showed initiative and enjoyed working in a team, so I also put a lot into our Vocational Training Day and into our 250th anniversary activities. In the last year of my training I was allowed to state three areas I would like to work in after being hired. My wish was granted: MAN recently offered me a contract in the area I most wanted, the outgoing goods section of the spare-parts warehouse.

If you're prepared to give your best all the time, you have the best opportunities at MAN. And if you're trained by MAN, you're one of the best.

At my training school, MAN trainees were seen as the privileged few. And for good reason, because we were given the best possible support. If we wanted to ask questions, there were experts on hand to help, we got the information we needed, and we had excellent learning facilities at our disposal. It was the perfect environment in which to prove yourself, and that was exactly what I intended to do. When I was studying for my business administration qualification, my second placement was spent in the purchasing department. This gave me the chance to use my Polish and take on responsibility at an early stage.

I worked hard to realize my ambition and finished second-highest in my class, which earned me an award from the Chamber of Industry and Commerce. Just three months later I joined the purchasing team for large components.
If you demonstrate commitment, MAN will help you realize your potential. It didn’t take me long to realize that this was where I wanted to work after my training.