Alexander Stangner

"Continental is an international corporation with an outstanding reputation"

Why did you choose the Manufacturing Trainee Program at Continental?
Very simple: Continental is a multinational corporation with an outstanding reputation and a wealth of appealing career opportunities. The very product-oriented tasks and the opportunity to work for several months in production were important factors in my decision.

How do candidates apply for the program? What is the application process?
I saw a job vacancy on the Internet that took me directly to the Continental Careers Homepage. So I applied online and the very next day I received an invitation to a phone interview. Then I had interviews with the plant manager and human resources manager in Korbach and another interview at the headquarters in Hanover.

Give a brief description of your trainee program.
The program is 24 months long. At present I'm doing a three-month stint in production. Then I'll be doing different projects in the plant, followed by six months working with my international colleagues in the Trainee Pool in Hanover Stöcken.

Did you have a mentor by your side right from the start?
I have a mentor at the plant. He assists me with more general issues during my time as a trainee. Then there are several people who help me with more specific issues. In Korbach, for example, I'm in close contact with the production manager for Passenger and Light Truck Tires, and he gives me feedback on a regular basis. Thanks also to my structured integration plan, I'm already in contact with colleagues from every department. In a nutshell: there's always someone to turn to when I have a problem.

Which career opportunities or prospects for the future do you envision for yourself at Continental?
As a trainee I have the opportunity to learn about tires in detail and take part in the product development process. That's definitely exciting. When I finish the program, I'll have a host of different career options, including opportunities outside my current area. I can definitely imagine taking a position here in Korbach.