Training as a Microtechnologist—An Interview with Artur Kornilov

Could you please briefly introduce yourself and tell us what you do at Fraunhofer ISIT?

My name is Artur Kornilov, I’m 23 years old, and I’m from Itzehoe.

In June of this year, I successfully completed my three-year apprenticeship as a microtechnologist at Fraunhofer ISIT. Since then, I’ve been working here as a technical staff member. My responsibilities include collaborating on various projects, maintaining different pieces of equipment, implementing new process technologies, and building prototypes.

What led you to decide to train as a microtechnologist?

I first learned about the apprenticeship program from a flyer at my school. I found the opportunity immediately exciting because these days, almost everyone owns a technical device based on microtechnology. Yet very few people know exactly what lies behind these technologies and how they work, even though we use them every day.

During my senior year of high school, I had already specialized in information technology and had been working on programming and software. That’s why I found it particularly interesting to get to know the other side of the field and learn more about how the technical components that make our digital devices possible in the first place are created.

Why did you decide to pursue this training program at Fraunhofer ISIT?

After learning about the apprenticeship program through the brochure, I first checked out the Fraunhofer ISIT website to find out more. The insights and information I found there immediately struck me as very interesting. In addition to the exciting apprenticeship program, the proximity to my home was also a deciding factor for me. This combination ultimately convinced me to do my apprenticeship at ISIT.

How did you find the application process, and how do you think it went?

The application process was very straightforward. I started by simply submitting an online application and was then invited to an interview. During the interview, I was asked questions about myself as well as about my academic background, particularly regarding technical aspects.

As part of the interview, I was also given a tour of the institute, including the labs and the cleanroom. Afterward, I had the opportunity to work there for a day on a trial basis, which gave me my first practical insight into the day-to-day work.

Can you give us some insight into what your experience was like during your apprenticeship?

Things started off very quietly at first, since I began my apprenticeship in August, not in September like they do now. Nevertheless, the support was excellent from the very beginning, and I was able to gain hands-on experience right away. For example, I learned how to solder by hand on a training circuit board and then took it apart and analyzed it on my own.

Over time, the tasks became increasingly varied. Through smaller assignments, I was able to gradually get to know different work areas and labs, gaining a better and better insight into the institute’s work.

Vocational school takes place in block sessions. Three-week school terms alternate with practical phases at the institute. In vocational school, you learn many of the theoretical fundamentals needed for practical work. However, not everything can be covered—especially at ISIT, since we work at a research institute where technologies and topics evolve rapidly. That’s why I’ve already read up on and taught myself quite a bit on my own.

I find the level of instruction at vocational school to be manageable, and care is taken to ensure that everyone keeps up and can understand the material well.

As you’ve already mentioned, you’ve now completed your apprenticeship and are working full-time at ISIT.

Can you tell us how the hiring process went?

The process was very straightforward. During my annual performance review, I mentioned that I’d like to stay on after my apprenticeship. The rest of the internal process then took place mostly behind the scenes for me. My apprenticeship supervisor handled the drafting of the contract, and all I had to do was sign it. After that, everything continued as usual.

Could you give us some insight into your responsibilities, both during your apprenticeship and now that you’ve been hired?

My responsibilities became increasingly varied and complex over the course of my apprenticeship. At first, I learned how to operate various pieces of equipment and, for example, how to master hand soldering. Over time, I was able to work more and more independently and increasingly have a say in which tasks I took on.

My duties primarily included soldering work as well as various analyses, such as damage analyses on equipment. I also conducted, documented, and evaluated experiments. Another exciting area of responsibility was working on a laser system, where I was involved in introducing a new process for welding and machining materials with the laser.

My current responsibilities are hardly any different from those I took on toward the end of my apprenticeship. Even back then, I was allowed to work very independently and was solely responsible for certain areas of work. This allowed me to prepare for my current responsibilities early on.

What do you personally like best about Fraunhofer ISIT, and what is your experience of it as an employer?

First and foremost, I really enjoy the work itself. It’s very motivating to have your own projects and to see that you’re making progress on them and actively shaping them. I also enjoy delving into scientific topics, understanding how they fit together, and exploring the underlying concepts in greater depth.

Another important aspect for me is the people here. I find the team and the departments to be very open and welcoming. Everyone is included, and you feel well taken care of. Overall, this creates a very pleasant work atmosphere. I feel that a lot of emphasis is placed on open communication, and that as an employee, you have the opportunity to contribute and actively help shape ISIT. It’s this openness in particular that I really appreciate.

I also found the support I received during my training to be very positive. Whenever I had questions, I always received prompt assistance and always felt I could turn to someone for help. This was also true during the phase of my thesis; I received support both in preparing for it and choosing a topic, and I was guided throughout the subsequent writing process.

Even when faced with practical challenges—such as operating the equipment—I could count on the support of my colleagues. As a result, I felt well taken care of and supported throughout my entire training.

What advice would you give to anyone else interested in training to become a microtechnologist?

You should definitely be eager to learn and curious. Since ISIT is a research institute, we often work with new technologies and processes that may not yet exist in this form in the industry. That’s why it’s important to question things and want to understand the underlying principles.

You should also have an interest in scientific topics and, above all, a lot of patience. During experiments, things don’t always go exactly as planned. Sometimes you overlook certain aspects, so you have to replan experiments, adjust calculations, and run them again. This can certainly take quite a long time. Even if something doesn’t work for a long time, you shouldn’t lose motivation. A certain interest in science subjects is therefore also an important prerequisite.