Mannheim, February 7, 2025
Originally, Alexander Lay had only planned to do a voluntary internship in order to find out more about working life. However, he enjoyed his internship at Caterpillar Energy Solutions so much that he decided to stay. Since September 2024, the 19-year-old from Mannheim, Germany, has been working at the company as a student on an integrated degree program in mechanical engineering. The integrated degree program takes three years and includes theoretical phases at the Baden-Württemberg Cooperative State University (DHBW) and practical phases at the company. In the interview, Alexander explains why he decided to study at Caterpillar Energy Solutions and what he enjoys most about his daily work.
How did you hear about the internship at Caterpillar Energy Solutions?
“At the ‘Jobs for Future’ exhibition in Mannheim, I came across Caterpillar Energy Solutions. At the company’s booth, I had a conversation with training manager Daniele Weidenauer and mechanical engineering student Jakob Graf. The two answered all my questions and told me I could also do an internship to get to know the company properly. So I applied for a voluntary internship during the Easter vacation.”
What did you do during the internship? Were you given any special duties?
“I spent the first two days in the training workshop and was able to try out and practice some basic skills such as sawing, filing, and drilling. Afterwards, I had the opportunity to get to know the various departments. For example, I was able to take a look at the production test bench and experience the large engines live in action. I also had the opportunity to take a look at the development department, which works on the engine control. All in all, I had many interesting conversations and learned a lot about the company during the internship. For me personally, being able to see the test benches was an outstanding highlight. However, seeing the other departments was also really great and entirely new for me as a high-school student. Everybody was very kind and communicative, and I was happy to see them again when I started my studies at the company.”
After your internship, you decided to apply for a place on the integrated degree program in mechanical engineering, and you were accepted. What does the training in the company look like?
“The onboarding seminar in September 2024 was followed by the first practical phase. The first theoretical phase, i.e. my first lectures at university, started in December. The integrated degree program in mechanical engineering takes a total of three years—six theoretical semesters and six practical phases in the company’s various departments.”
You mentioned the onboarding seminar that you attended with the other students and apprentices. What exactly did you do there?
“The onboarding seminar for all new students and apprentices lasted two weeks. The first week mainly consisted of info events and workshops on occupational safety, etiquette, and sustainability. For example, we spent a day with the Mannheim Climate Protection Agency, which showed us some tips and tricks to save energy in everyday life. In the second week, we had a team-building event with ‘abenteuer natur’, during which we built new wooden benches, signs, and birdhouses in the Waldvogelpark near Karlstern, Mannheim. Though the week was quite tiring, it was fun working on the project together with the other apprentices.”
Recently, you started your studies at the Baden-Württemberg Cooperative State University. What does your working day at Caterpillar Energy Solutions look like?
“My first day at work in the company was similar to the working days during my internship. The three of us new students on integrated degree programs were introduced to the various production departments and were able to work along in these departments. For example, we spent time in the production halls and assembly halls, but also in the offices of the people who plan and streamline the production and assembly processes. Through the mix of manual and computer work, I learned a lot about the products.
What type of work do you currently like best?
“All tasks have something special about them, so it’s difficult to say. What I liked best, though, was writing a specification sheet for a support carriage for the exhaust gas turbocharger of the largest generator set. I was asked to prepare the construction details along with a drawing for the supplier. For this, I had to go through the factory to collect information. Of course, I also benefited from the assistance provided by the department.”
Thank you for telling us about your experiences. Do you have any tips for young high-school graduates who would like to apply for an apprenticeship or integrated degree program at Caterpillar Energy Solutions?
“I would definitely say you should get active as soon as possible and show your interest. Don’t miss the opportunity to do an internship at Caterpillar Energy Solutions! I really enjoyed it and got to know people. So, when I went for the interview, I already knew some people from my internship there.”