Schütte’s workforce is as diverse as the career opportunities it offers. What is still in its infancy for many has been part of everyday life at Schütte for many years. It is therefore not surprising that women in technical professions are not uncommon at Schütte. As in all other areas of the company, a diverse team with different perspectives and approaches to problem-solving works more successfully.
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"Due to increasing automation and digitalization, the boundaries between all areas of work—which used to be reserved for male employees primarily because of physical demands—are becoming blurred. Today, cognitive skills such as logical and analytical thinking and a structured approach to work are more important. Women interested in technology master these skills just as well as their male colleagues. That is precisely why we want to encourage girls and young women to choose a career in our technical field. Here, some of our female employees share their exciting daily work experiences in production."
Carl Martin Welcker - Managing Partner
I began my apprenticeship as an industrial mechanic at Schütte in September 2018 and was hired in the component assembly department after graduating in January 2022. My daily routine includes assembling the spindle boxes for the CX series (see photo). These then go on to final assembly, where they are installed into the machine. What makes my job special is the variety and the fact that I have many opportunities for further training. Even though I want to take a break from studying for now after completing my apprenticeship. When the time is right, there are plenty of opportunities for further education.
“After school, I wasn’t sure exactly what I wanted to do. During an internship abroad in metal fabrication in France, I worked with machines for the first time and realized that this kind of work suits me. I then applied for an apprenticeship at Schütte.”
Working in an environment that’s still predominantly male isn’t new to me, since I was the only woman in my training program during my 3.5 years of apprenticeship. “I’ve never known it any other way, and I find the atmosphere among us very relaxed. In my new department, I’m often asked if everything’s going well, and I can only say that it is.”
I don’t see any downsides to being in a typically male-dominated profession: “I’m included in everything, even when it comes to getting things done. But everyone is also very helpful when I hit a wall.”
My advice to girls and young women interested in the technical field: “I recommend doing an internship. It helped me choose the right career path.”
I completed my training as a mechatronics technician in 2022 and have been working in the assembly of multi-spindle automatic lathes ever since. “I’ve always liked math and physics since I was in school. That’s where you could learn in theory how the world works. I chose a technical career to put that theory into practice and see how an idea in mechanical engineering becomes reality.”
For me, Schütte stood out not only because of the benefits of a family-owned business but also because of its cutting-edge technology: “The machines built at Schütte are unique and highly interesting. The technology behind it all made the company very attractive to me, because the work is much more enjoyable when you believe in the product.”
Working with my colleagues is also very enjoyable for me: “I’m lucky to have nice and helpful colleagues. Whenever I have questions or need help, they’re always ready to assist me. Plus, we’re all working toward a common goal, which strengthens our sense of camaraderie. That makes working with my colleagues very pleasant.”
I have the following advice for young girls and women: “The world of work is changing; what was considered a male-dominated profession just a few years ago is now quite naturally pursued by women as well. Any woman interested in technical professions should take the opportunity to learn about the work and not let social norms deter her.”
I began my apprenticeship as an energy systems technician at Schütte in 2003, after graduating from high school. “Logical thinking and working with my hands, rather than just sitting behind a desk, has always been important to me!”
After graduating, I was hired in the assembly department for multi-spindle automatic lathes. My responsibilities over the next few years ranged from machine wiring and programming to interacting with customers during acceptance testing.
That changed when I met my current husband at work in 2010. Four years later and two children later, my view of the world had changed, and I moved to the technical inspection department for multi-spindle automatic lathes. “Now I no longer build my machines, but put them through their paces. I get to play the customer and press every possible—and impossible—button.”
Working as a woman in a “male-dominated field” has never been a problem or an obstacle for me in my 20 years at Schütte. “I receive the same pay and recognition for my work as my male colleagues!”
In addition, I have been involved in the Schütte Group’s youth representation and the works council since 2007. There, I serve as the point of contact for young people and, of course, for women. Since 2022, I have also been the deputy representative for employees with severe disabilities at Schütte.