Training at MAPAL

He was looking for a job where he could actively put his hands to use. In his training as a cutting machine operator at WTE in Ehrenfriedersdorf, Tom Hoffmann deals with a wide range of manufacturing processes used in the metalworking industry and the associated tools of the trade.

"We make the connecting piece between the machine and the tool – the chuck. In particular, my tasks include milling tool adapters like shrink chucks and hydraulic chucks," says Tom, describing the focus of his current duties.

He began his apprenticeship as a cutting machine operator at WTE in 2018. MAPAL's subsidiary is located in Ehrenfriedersdorf, Saxony, and specialises in the production of clamping technologies. The main task of WTE products is to clamp tools like milling cutters or drills precisely. For example, the products impact the surfaces of a workpiece or the tool life clamped tools enjoy. Since there are not the same parts on the agenda every single day, a cutting machine operator's working day is often very varied. "Depending on the order, you need to insert parts and check dimensions. However, you might need to set up machines, measure tools or set zero points as well", says Tom, describing his remit. He particularly enjoys facing new challenges which promote solution-focused thinking.