3 min read
Shaping the future: PJM equips apprentices for industry success
By: PJM News Service on Dec 20, 2024 3:19:31 PM
At PJM, supporting the next generation of skilled workers isn’t just a responsibility; it’s a passion. Tobias Winnicki, a 28-year-old Automation Technician apprentice, offers a firsthand look at how PJM fosters talent and prepares apprentices for thriving careers in technical fields.
A tailored path to success
Tobias began his apprenticeship at PJM this autumn as part of his Automation Technician program at ZBC Ringsted. He had long admired PJM for using advanced automation technology and came across the opportunity through an apprenticeship portal at his educational institution. While he didn’t know anyone who had previously taken this path at PJM, he quickly discovered our supportive, team-oriented environment committed to personal and professional growth.
From his first day entering the facilities in Faarevejle, Tobias was impressed by our structured approach to learning:
“It’s a company that creates a plan for you and supports you every step of the way. They make sure you feel welcome and comfortable throughout the entire apprenticeship.”
Image: PJM Apprentice, Tobias Winnicki
Learning by doing
Tobias’s typical day starts at 6:00 a.m. when he joins the electrical assembly lead, on the project at hand, to tackle tasks ranging from installing sensors and pulling cables to calibrating systems and setting up robot controllers. The variety keeps him challenged and engaged.
“The work is hands-on and diverse. I get to see how machines develop, from a single section to a fully functional system. It’s incredible to be part of that process.”
At PJM, we perceive learning as a collaborative experience. Tobias appreciates that even when his lead isn’t available, the 15–20 experienced technicians in his team are always ready to step in and offer guidance. Tobias further emphasizes that you are never left on your own, and always have the opportunity to ask questions - providing support that he finds invaluable when initiating an apprenticeship anywhere.
Excellence as a standard
Our commitment to quality isn’t just reserved for the products delivered - it extends to the way we mentor apprentices. Tobias describes the high professional standards as both challenging and motivating.
“There’s a strong focus on doing things the right way, whether it’s internal work or customer-facing projects. It motivates you to be and perform your best.”
Preparing for the future
Though he’s still early in his apprenticeship, Tobias feels that we have equipped him with the necessary skills to excel in various areas of the industry. By balancing hands-on tasks with exposure to cutting-edge technology, we ensure that apprentices graduate with the confidence and expertise to work alongside experienced professionals.
Tobias goes on to explain that PJM values the meticulous training of apprentices. At PJM, we see it as a clear goal to bring forward the best competencies in our apprentices as this only strengthens their position within the industry further. A mission we work hard to achieve at PJM.
Encouraging vocational training
Our commitment goes beyond the individual apprentice. By fostering vocational education, we seek to address the growing need for skilled labor in manual, technical, and operational fields. Tobias’s journey is a testament to how investing in apprenticeships can create a pipeline of talent ready to meet industry demands.
For anyone considering an apprenticeship at PJM, Tobias has a clear message:
“I wholeheartedly recommend it. PJM is a place where you’re supported, challenged, and given every opportunity to succeed. They create an environment where you can grow, not just as a technician but as a person.”
As Tobias’s story illustrates, apprenticeships at PJM are about more than learning a trade - they are about building a future. By combining structured mentorship with hands-on experience, we seek to empower our apprentices to take their first steps toward a fulfilling career in the industry.
Are you interested in knowing more about how it is to work at PJM, click here, to explore our career universe.