Stefan’s story
Shift Supervisor Turning Technology Basic
The Turning Technology Basic section primarily produces simple components that are required in large quantities on the turning and milling machines.
Often these finished workpieces are the starting material for more complex parts. The Turning Technology Basic team works at the Pettenbach site.
Join Stefan at work for a day
Stefan: We work in two shifts. My day typically starts with an inspection of the department. I check that everything is in order and that everyone is there. If somebody is missing, I may end up setting up the machines myself.
The detailed planner then comes and we go through the requirements together with the team leader. We then distribute the orders to the workstations according to duration and effort, thereby planning out the day.
Larger orders are processed automatically overnight during the unmanned shift. The machines are programmed during the late shift and at night we have only a skeleton staff, if necessary.
Career path
You’re now a shift supervisor here at Fronius, but how did you get here?
Stefan: I attended primary and secondary school in Sattledt and spent my ninth school year studying IT at HTL Wels technical school. However, I realized relatively quickly that I wanted to do something else, so I started looking for an apprenticeship while I was there.
I completed my metalworking apprenticeship three and a half years later. After my military service, I retrained as a machining technician and then joined Fronius as a setter. In my opinion, practical knowledge is essential when working as a shift supervisor.
Why is this job the right one for you?
Stefan: It fascinates me how you can watch the journey from raw material to finished part. If you compare today’s technology with that of 50 years ago, you realize that so much has changed. It’s so cool what you can do these days.
Everyday working life
What is your biggest professional challenge?
Stefan: At the moment, it’s definitely managing the team. The coordination aspect is still new to me, as it’s my first management position. I still lack a certain amount of experience (you have to learn that too), but I really enjoy it. I certainly don’t get bored either—quite the opposite in fact. There’s always something to do.
What are the best things about working at Fronius?
Stefan: The people are a big plus for me. It’s a very friendly environment. I can only speak for the Turning Technology department, but I assume that this is the case throughout the company. It’s very important to me that we understand each other and get along with everyone.
In addition, Fronius is very employee-friendly. If someone needs to take vacation days or if you have a personal issue, the company is great. This is possible because your coworkers are always willing to step into the breach.
Personal insights
How long have you been with Fronius?
Stefan: I’ve been with Fronius for five and a half years now. I started out as a machine setter, but my apprenticeship was actually in metalworking, so I only had limited experience with the turning shop. I actually worked with the devices for which I now produce parts. It’s more or less a closed loop, which I think is quite cool.
How would you describe the way you work?
Stefan: We are a premium manufacturer and the quality has to be right. Of course mistakes can still happen wherever people are involved; that’s almost unavoidable. I’m a very quality-conscious person, so it’s important to me that everything is right. I also try to pass on my attitude towards quality to my team.
“Keep your cool. Stress causes a lot more mistakes to happen than if you approach things calmly,” Stefan, Shift Supervisor Turning Technology Basic
