From Graz to China with ANDRITZ at 19
An interview with Dominik UTRI:
Education at ANDRITZ:
Mechanical Engineering Apprenticeship, completed in three-and-a-half years (February 2012)
Current Occupation:
Construction since July 2012 and furthering education at an ANDRITZ partner company in the city of Harbin in Northern China.
Hobbies:
Driving, soccer, swimming, table tennis
Instructor: What has your experience in China given you on both a personal and professional level?
Dominik Utri: At first I wasn’t completely sure if I should take such a big step and go to China right after my apprenticeship; but looking back, I’m very happy that I took the risk and accepted the challenge. I am much more confident in my abilities today than I was even a year ago and have learned to find my way in foreign countries. The English course I took through ANDRITZ and my time in Sweden during my second year of apprenticeship (international skilled worker exchange, three weeks at a Volvo plant in Göteburg) helped immensely. My English has improved so much that I can have conversations without a problem. I have gained so much experience, travelled around China- visited Beijing and Shanghai for example- and last but not least, made many friendships. This experience is obviously also a big plus on my resume.
Instructor: What are the next steps for you in your career? What are your goals?
Dominik Utri: I want to continue working for ANDRITZ, in the workshop in Graz and on construction sites worldwide. I’m very flexible in that aspect. Along with that I want to get the education to be a master in my field.
Instructor: What would you say to a young person asking if they should pursue an apprenticeship at ANDRITZ, and what they should expect?
Dominik Utri: I would say “Yes! Do it!” Looking back, I would decide to do an apprenticeship at ANDRITZ again. The education was great and afterward there are so many opportunities: you just need to pursue them.
