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An apprentice at Morgan Technical Ceramics Haldenwanger has been named Ceramist Apprentice of the year 2010 by the German Chamber of Industry and Commerce. Maximilian Helldobler has been awarded the prestigious accolade after completing the apprenticeship scheme with the highest marks in the category.

Maximilian (29) has undertaken the national German apprenticeship scheme at the company’s manufacturing facility in Haldenwanger for the last two years. As part of his apprenticeship as a ceramist, Maximilian was taught the theory and practice of developing advanced ceramic components. He then took two practical and one written exam to show his understanding of the subject.

Morgan Technical Ceramics Haldenwanger specialises in the design and manufacture of custom made ceramic components for the thermal processing and solar industries. It regularly recruits apprentices and recognises the importance of training the next generation of engineers and materials scientists.

“We are incredibly proud of Maximilian’s achievements,” says Joachim Mayer, general manager of Morgan Technical Ceramics Haldenwanger. “Apprenticeships give a hands-on approach to learning and Maximilian has picked up the subject very quickly. The apprenticeship is usually a three-year course, but Maximilian has completed it in just two years, and achieved the highest standard for his work, which is an amazing feat.

“Investing in tomorrow’s engineers through apprenticeships such as this is critical for us to retain our engineering excellence. By recruiting apprentices we can share our knowledge and expertise to train the future generation of engineers, enabling us to continue to innovative and develop real solutions for tomorrow’s engineering problems.”

“I am delighted to be given this award and to be recognised by industry leaders,” says Maximilian Helldobler. “The mentoring given by Morgan Technical Ceramics has been tremendous and the skills I have gained through the combination of theoretical and technical work during my studies have been invaluable.”

Maximilian has studied all aspects of ceramic processing, from the preparation of the advanced material to the production by extrusion, grinding and cutting, and finishing of components. Maximilian is now undertaking further studies in engineering while continuing to work at Morgan Technical Ceramics Haldenwanger as a production manager.