GKV Incentive Prize: Three dual study under-graduates at Gerresheimer Regensburg GmbH in Wackersdorf sweep the board

Wackersdorf, August 2, 2017. Christine Ertl, Niklas Stolz, and Tobias Krämer – three dual study undergraduates at Gerresheimer Regensburg GmbH – secured the top three places in this year’s Incentive Prize run by the German Association of Plastics Converters (GKV). The EUR 5,000 prize money is awarded annually to the plastics and rubber processing engineer apprentices who achieve the highest grades in Germany in their final exams. The prize not only celebrates the apprentices themselves but also the companies and vocational colleges that provide them with quality training.

As the trade association for plastics and rubber processing engineers, the GKV has been presenting its Incentive Prize to Germany’s ten best apprentices on this training course every year since 2001. “For us, it’s almost become a given that the apprentices and dual studies undergraduates from Gerresheimer Medical Systems are consistently among the best GKV prize winners,” explains CEO of Gerresheimer Regensburg GmbH, Regensburg, Manfred Baumann. “This year is now the ninth time that dual studies undergraduates at Gerresheimer have won the prize. I’d like to congratulate both them and the highly qualified, committed trainers who have made this success possible. It shows that what we have at the Technical Competence Center in Wackersdorf is a real training ground for the talented professionals we need in the demanding market for drug delivery devices, and medical and diagnostic products.” Now a design engineer in development at Gerresheimer Regensburg GmbH in Wackersdorf, former dual studies undergrad Christine Ertl delivered a top performance this year, achieving the full 100 marks and stealing first place. Now studying for a Master’s, former dual studies undergrad Niklas Stolz came in second with 99 marks, putting former placement student Tobias Krämer, who has since left the company, in third place with 98 marks. 

The prize-giving ceremony was held on the second of August at the TCC in Wackersdorf. After a welcome speech from the Gerresheimer Regensburg GmbH Management Board, Ralf Olsen (CEO of pro-K, a member company of the GKV) presented the winners with their certificates and prize money. First, second, and third place are awarded EUR 1,500, EUR 1,000, and EUR 300 respectively. The prizewinners also receive an annual subscription to the magazine “Kunststoffe” (“Plastics”) and are awarded membership of the “Club der Besten” (“Club of the Best”).

Training to become a plastics and rubber processing engineer opens up a career in a varied burgeoning industry. During their training at our training center, the apprentices learn all about materials, the chemistry of plastics, and injection-molding technology. They are also given a grounding in metalworking as well as in interpreting and producing technical drawings. The apprenticeship usually lasts three years, after which there is an option to complete further training to become an industrial foreman in the specialist field of plastics and rubber or a plastics and rubber engineer. Apprentices with the right skill set can also move onto a degree in plastics engineering or combine their training with a degree right from the outset by way of a dual program of study.

Background: The GKV

The GKV is the leading German industrial association for companies involved in processing plastics. As an umbrella organization, it brings together and represents the common interests of its member companies, giving them a voice in the public and political spheres.

With an annual revenue of EUR 60.8 billion and 317,000 employees, the plastics processing industry forms one of the key pillars of the German economy.

Consisting primarily of SMEs, the segment is characterized by a high level of innovative capability and a huge variety of different products. Plastics are processed into packaging, building materials, technical parts, semi-finished products, consumer goods, and many other products.

About Gerresheimer

Gerresheimer is a leading global partner to the pharma and healthcare industries. With our specialty glass and plastic products, we contribute to health and well-being. We have worldwide operations and about 10,000 employees manufacture our products in local markets, close to our customers. With our plants in Europe, North America, South America, and Asia, we generate revenues of approximately EUR 1.4 billion. The comprehensive product portfolio includes pharmaceutical packaging products as well as convenient and safe drug delivery systems such as insulin pens, inhalers, pre-fillable syringes, vials, ampoules, bottles and containers for liquid and solid pharmaceuticals with closure and safety systems, plus cosmetic packaging products.