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April 24, 2008
Girls' Day 2008 at Alcoa
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AFL Frickenhausen
On Thursday, April 24, 2008 this year's Girls' Day took place. On this day, girls should get an insight into technical jobs. Girls' Day is supported by several federal ministries, the Federation of German Trade Unions, the Federal Employment Office, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry and many more.
In Frickenhausen 12 girls had registered and entered the facility at 9:00 am in the morning with big expectations. After a short presentation on the company, an introduction of the training supervisors and the trainings to become an electrician and a mechanic for delicate equipment, the participants could start to work in the training workshop. First they had to undergo the safety instructions in order to avoid injuries then they started to make a leather bracelet with metal plates and engraving themselves. In order to finish the bracelets they had to rivet, stamp and engrave them. Every step was performed under supervision of the training supervisors and the AFL trainees.
At 12:00 everybody had lunch together in the cafeteria. After that, the participants went for a plant tour through manufacturing and the laboratories.
Due to the all the new impressions and things they saw, the girls were a bit tired during the final feedback conversation, however they all really enjoyed the day.
AFS Hildesheim
Alcoa Fastening Systems in Hildesheim also opened its doors again for 16 girls and boys for this year's Girls' Day to give some insight into the technical working world.
The day started at 08:00 am with the introduction of the kids and the trainees Anika Gieseke, Marcus Brandtner and Sarah Holze. The introduction was followed by safety instructions and the kids were able to create their own shop floor passes, which were used as name tags at the same time.
First stop was then the hall Steven 8, Mr. Dormann explained his working place and the machines in all details to the kids.
After a short break for breakfast, the tour continued in the administrative area. The girls and boys got an impression of the commercial departments of the company. In shipping they were even able to scan the boxes with products which had to be shipped to the customer. Then everybody went to lunch. Next department on the list was Quality Assurance. The microscopes were "misused" again, this year bugs and a computer chips were shown in detail. While operating the tensile tester, the kids understood why hearing protection is very important on the shop floor.
Then the tour in the manufacturing area started, Kristijan Curin was so kind to explain the processes and to answer all questions. EHS also took their time to explain to the boys and girls the dangers at the work place and how to prevent injuries. Mr. Hoff, EHS Manager, had even prepared demonstration material such as ointments, gloves and also safe cutters. The danger of fire was shown by a video which was very popular with the kids.
At 2:00 pm this year's Girls' Day was over and the kids were able to go home with their souvenirs - engraved bolts, key rings and Alcoa hats.
Anika Gieseke, Marcus Brandtner and Sarah Holze
GHAE Hanover
On April 24, 2008 Alcoa Hanover participated at the "Day for the future" for boys and girls.
What is the meaning of "day for the future" and what is the purpose?
The idea for the "day for the future" for boys and girls, better known as "Girls' Day" is coming from the US and it is taking place there every year since 1993.
For some years already, Girls' Day is also taking place in Germany and is becoming more and more popular; this also applies for Alcoa in Hanover. In the past only girls from grades 5 to 10 were able to participate, now this has been changed and also boys grades 5 to 10 are able to join. That is why "Girls' Day" is also known as "Day for the future" for boys and girls. On this day, parents take their sons and daughters with them to their working place and thus give them insight into working life.
And that is how the "Day of the future" looked like on April 24, 2008
The day started at 09:00 am with the introduction of the hopeful team of participants which consisted of 6 girls, 4 boys and our two trainees.
After a short introduction, a video film on Alcoa Hanover was shown and gave some direct information. Aluminium processing and the application of the finished products in the automotive and aerospace industry were explained. Before the plant tour started, the boys and girls got safety instructions and were informed on potential risks on the shop floor. All participants got the required PSE, consisting of safety shoes, eye and hearing protection and a helmet.
Now the boys and girls were able to experience the aluminium processing which they had seen on video a few minutes ago themselves. They were especially impressed by the techniques which make automatic processes possible.
After the plant tour, impressions and open questions were discussed while the participants enjoyed a few cold soft drinks. After the break, the subject "professional training" was the main focus at Alcoa. Two trainees, who are doing a training to become a mechatronic technician, explained this profession. Apart from the main subjects of the training, the training process and the training school, they also discussed why they had decided to do this particular technical training. A presentation of the training project "heating press" with a practical demonstration made the tasks of a mechantronic technician even clearer.
After a lot of information and a lot of new impressions, it was time to go to lunch. In the cafeteria the boys and girls gathered some strength again for upcoming tasks while eating pasta and sausages. After lunch it was time to do some practical training. With the help of building blocks the participants had to find ways to optimize the complete working process starting with the customer order to manufacturing and finally shipping.
With a lot of ambition, the boys and girls managed to show the different steps in their simulation and created an ideal working process.
This impressive day ended after all the participants received little presents, information material on Alcoa as well as a certificate showing their participation at this year's Girls' Day and in order to remind them of the day they spent at Alcoa in Hanover.
Stefan Heine
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