Anh Thu shares insights into her training as a draughtswoman at the Central Technical Department.

Who are you and what do you do in the Central Technical Department?

Hi, I’m Anh Thu, 21 years old, and I’m in my first year of my architectural draughtsman apprenticeship in the Central Technical Department.

How did you come to do your architectural draughtsman apprenticeship?

I’ve always been really interested in buildings, architecture and building sites. I’ve often wondered how buildings are actually planned and how an idea eventually turns into a finished building. As I also enjoy drawing and am good at precise work, training as a draughtswoman was simply the perfect combination for me.

Take us through it: what does a typical working day look like for you?

A typical working day for me starts with the train journey to work – sometimes earlier, sometimes later. We have flexitime, which means I can be flexible about when I start.
Once I’ve arrived at the office in Stuttgart, I collect my things from my locker and settle in at my desk. Then I have a quick chat with my trainer and either get straight into my tasks or pick up where I last left off. At the moment, I’m mainly working on technical drawings and plans for construction projects – in our case, specifically on shoring systems for excavation pits.

At around 12.30 pm, it’s usually time for our lunch break and we head to the canteen together; there’s always delicious food there and it’s a good chance to switch off for a bit.
Of course, a quick chat with colleagues is a must: Every now and then we pop into the kitchen for a drink and a bit of small talk. And when things are going really well, our colleagues sometimes bring in cake to go with our tea.
Depending on the day, I then finish work between 3.30 pm and 4.30 pm.

Has there been a particular highlight in your training so far that has really stuck in your memory?

A real highlight is the 12-week construction site work placement. I’m spending eight of those weeks in a sort of training workshop. There, you learn lots of things you wouldn’t normally come across in everyday life, such as building formwork, laying bricks or laying pipes. It really helps you gain a better understanding of what actually happens on a building site. 
 

What surprises many people about your job, or what is often underestimated?

What many people underestimate about the role of a draughtsman is just how important communication is. You’re constantly liaising with colleagues, engineers and, in some cases, directly with the site. Only when everyone works well together and communicates clearly can the plans ultimately be implemented exactly as intended.

What challenges do you face in your day-to-day life – and how do you deal with them?

If I get stuck on a task, whether because I’m unsure or lack specialist knowledge, I simply ask for help. My colleagues, my trainer or even other trainees are always there to support me. And if the day isn’t going well at all, a hot chocolate sometimes helps.

Describe your apprenticeship in three words.

Proactive, varied and ultra-cool.
 
What advice would you give to new trainees in the Central Technical Department?

There are no stupid questions, so don’t be afraid to ask anything. Enjoy the experience and, most importantly, always make sure you fill in your training log!

Thank you for the interview and we wish you every success with your training, Ahn Thu!