Technical product designers produce the designs for our new connectors or their variants. A step-by-step introduction to the creation of CAD drawings is therefore an important aspect of their training. Precise adherence to standard specifications and dimensional deviations is essential. The primary work tools are 3D CAD programs, the ERP system, standards, and regulations.
Each of the many individual parts of a plug must be designed and constructed before they can be produced and ultimately assembled into a complete connector. As a technical product designer, you will be responsible for designing, constructing, and dimensioning the parts, specifying the tolerances for production, and listing the individual components – you will learn all of this step by step.
Training period: 3 years
School-leaving qualification: high school diploma (equivalent to the “Mittlere Reife”) or higher
You will need: a precise, methodical approach to your work, an interest in computers and mathematics, spatial imagination, and technical aptitude
To get you up to speed on all our manufacturing processes, your apprenticeship also includes an internship in the production department. You will thus be able to see at first-hand how the specifications in your drawings are implemented in practice and what processing options are available. As a result, you will understand how to produce the individual parts as efficiently as possible during the design phase.
When working on your assignments – for which you are given freedom and independence from the outset – you will constantly need to ask yourself “Is it even possible to make the part this way?” and “Does this comply with the norm or standard?” While every conceivable shape is possible on the PC, not everything can be produced in reality.
What else?
A bill of materials (BOM) must also be created for each unit – this clearly shows which individual parts are required at a glance.
An assembly drawing is equally important since it illustrates the individual work steps required to assemble the plug.
Another important point besides the creation of drawings is the documentation. This includes the change history – years from now, it must still be possible for someone working on the same part to clearly see why you chose a particular way of working over a different approach.
Staatl. Berufsschule Wasserburg am Inn
Ponschabaustraße 20
83512 Wasserburg
The travel costs as well as any costs for the students’ hostel will be covered by ODU.
What will you learn at the vocational school?
At the vocational school, you will acquire theoretical knowledge that you can then put into practice at ODU. From the basics of creating a technical drawing to proper presentation and the various design rules for different manufacturing processes.
You will deepen your understanding of all these aspects at the school using SolidWorks CAD software.
The SolidWorks drawing program is used at the vocational school. You will learn this package from scratch, including all key features. SolidWorks is also used to “draw” the various exercises and projects at the vocational school, as well as during the final exam. If you are struggling with an aspect of SolidWorks or would simply like to practice outside of school, ODU also has a student license available. You can then directly compare the various functions in CREO and SolidWorks – the two packages are very similar. This makes it easy to switch between the two drawing programs without any problems.
General education subjects at vocational school: German, English, social studies
In the middle of your second apprenticeship year, you will take Part 1 of the final examination, which counts for 30% of your final grade. In the practical part, you will design new components, modify existing ones, and create draft drawings and bills of materials. In the theory exam, the questions are asked in open form.
Part 2 of the final examination takes place at the end of the training period. You will process a live order. Beforehand, you will create a new product and document the entire project workflow. On the day of the exam, you will present this to the examining board. Afterwards, there will be a 20-minute technical discussion. In the theory exam, you will answer both multiple-choice and open-ended questions.
You will be well prepared for all exams – both at ODU and at the vocational school.
By showing both commitment and enthusiasm, you will open up excellent career opportunities at ODU – initially, with regard to finding a permanent job, and subsequently through professional development as a specialist in your field. As a technical product designer, you can then undergo further training to become a technician specializing in mechanical engineering.
This is possible on a part-time basis (8 semesters, 4 years). ODU is very supportive of this career path.
The further training to become a technician takes 2 years (full-time).
Of course, various study paths will also be open to you, e.g., a dual study program specializing in mechanical engineering – either part-time in Mühldorf am Inn or full-time at the surrounding universities in Rosenheim, Landshut and Munich.