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Maja Lisiak

Apprentice chemical laboratory technician
Hanau-Wolfgang, Germany
Working for Umicore since 2021
"Even though Umicore is a big company, I am surprised every time how familiar it is here. "

We move people – Maja Lisiak by interview

Maja has not been with Umicore for 20 years yet, but she started her apprenticeship as a chemical laboratory technician with us exactly 20 months ago.

"For me, working at Umicore means having the chance to make the industry more sustainable."

You started your apprenticeship at Umicore in 2021. Why did you decide to join us for an apprenticeship? 

"The answer to this question is quite simple: During my A-levels, chemistry was the subject I enjoyed most at school. As a result, I searched in the internet for apprenticeships in this field. 

Umicore appealed to me because of the topic of 'clean mobility'. It is an important topic especially for people my age. I wanted and still want to be a part of the future and progress."

What makes your apprenticeship at Umicore special for you?

"Even though Umicore is a big company, I am surprised every time how familiar it is here. And that is exactly what is so special. The friendly and respectful atmosphere makes the work more pleasant. 

From the very beginning, I was very well received and cared for as an apprentice. Everyone takes enough time to explain things and is always there to help me if I need it. What also makes my apprenticeship very special is the trust that is shown to me."

When you look back on the last 20 months, what moments do you remember most? 

"For me, there are two types of special memories: 

One is the memory of special moments at Umicore that took place besides the actual apprenticeship like our apprentice event where we apprentices could get to know each other better. Or our film shooting project. But of course also the Christmas podcast, where I had the opportunity to interview the CEO of Umicore AG & Co. KG, Dr. Bernhard Fuchs, together with another apprentice. 

On the other hand, there are positive experiences for me at work. For example, the moments after the analyses when I saw from the results that what I had done was actually correct and that I had correctly implemented what I had learned. 

At the beginning of my apprenticeship, my parents gave me a pen with my name and date of birth. Since then, I always have it with me at work or at school. It is my lucky pen. Every one of my exams is written with it. I also got a notebook in my first department in which I write down everything I have learned, and I only do that with this one pen. That's why it's an item I associate with my education."