“I was immediately drawn to the size and complexity of the machines,” Nils shares. “It’s something special to be part of building equipment that powerful.”
He found the profession appealing not only because of its technical depth, but also because it offers a broad look into how things are made and maintained. Every step - from assembly to troubleshooting - teaches something new.
A solid foundation
Nils’ early days at Konecranes gave him a solid foundation. Alongside getting to know his fellow apprentices, he took part in a four-month metalworking course to build up his technical skills.
“I really enjoyed the turning and milling exercises - we got hands-on fast,” he recalls. “Everyone was super helpful from the beginning, and that made settling in easy.”
Even outside the workshop, moments stood out. “The last Christmas party was my highlight. It brought everyone together, and the atmosphere was just great.”
Getting hands-on
Now in his third year, Nils is deep into real-world projects. He’s currently stationed in the assembly of the Spreader - the part of the crane responsible for lifting containers. His responsibilities range from hydraulic connections to component preparation and pre-assembly of valves.
“I like being part of something so concrete,” he says. “You can actually see what you’ve built, and that’s really satisfying. Right now, I’m focused on installing locking mechanisms and making sure everything fits perfectly.”
What makes Konecranes stand out
For Nils, the experience has been more than just about machines - it’s about people, too. “The team spirit here is something else,” he says. “You can always ask questions, and no one ever makes you feel bad for not knowing something.”
He also appreciates the structure of the training and the benefits that come with it. “Konecranes offers great conditions. Thanks to the IG Metall agreement, we’re getting a €140 monthly raise in 2025 and another 3.1% increase in 2026.”
When asked what keeps him going, Nils doesn’t hesitate:“Every day I’m doing something real. I’m learning, building, and growing - and I know I’m in the right place.”
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