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What motivated you to continue working at EXTRAMET in a reduced capacity despite reaching retirement age?
 

At the age of 62, I started thinking that I wouldn’t want to fully retire at 65. In my opinion, it’s better not to reduce the workload abruptly from 100% to 0%. So, I asked my employer, EXTRAMET, if there was an opportunity to continue working after retirement without having managerial responsibilities. EXTRAMET agreed to a 50% workload. As long as my health allows it, continuing to work is valuable for both body and mind. The working environment in the inspection and finishing department is excellent, which is why I enjoy working there as a retiree and hope to continue doing so for the foreseeable future.

You underwent retraining. Would you like to explain how that came about?
 

IIn 2006, I transitioned from the Düdingen brick factory to EXTRAMET, where I started as a production manager. Even during my time at the brick factory, I was responsible for training industrial ceramicists. I continued this responsibility at EXTRAMET in collaboration with the then Director of Production. Supporting industrial ceramics training is something I am particularly passionate about, and I have been actively involved for many years as an examiner and chief expert.
After 14 years in production and facing some health challenges, an opportunity for a job change within the company arose. Retraining as the Team Leader of Metallurgical Quality Inspection opened up new perspectives for me. In the first few months, I was able to benefit from the experience of my predecessor, who retired in 2022. The extensive experience and support of my colleagues have also been invaluable. Additionally, I took advantage of external courses for further education.
Today, I look back on this new challenge with great satisfaction and gratitude, and I have embraced it with enthusiasm. I sincerely thank EXTRAMET for this opportunity.

What motivated you to do your apprenticeship at EXTRAMET? What do you particularly enjoy about your training?

EXTRAMET was and still is the perfect workplace for me. I had the unique opportunity to be the first IT apprentice at EXTRAMET. The team around me, as well as throughout the company, is simply fantastic. Support is provided in every possible way. The work is very diverse, which keeps things exciting. Another great advantage is the option to attend the vocational baccalaureate school (BMS) during the apprenticeship. I can highly recommend working at EXTRAMET!

What motivated you to pursue a department change? How did EXTRAMET respond to your request for part-time work due to family reasons?

I started at EXTRAMET on May 1, 2011, as an administrative specialist in the Export and Invoicing team. Over time, my area of responsibility grew steadily. In 2015, I became a mother and decided to switch from full-time to part-time work. My supervisor supported me in finding a suitable solution that allowed me to return to work after maternity leave with a 40% workload. At the end of 2022, I felt the desire for a new professional challenge. Since a position in the HR department was vacant at the time and I already had experience in this field, transitioning to the HR team was the perfect opportunity. This allowed me to take on a new challenge while maintaining my work-life balance.

What motivated you to leave your home country and move to Switzerland and EXTRAMET?

The decision to leave my home country, Germany, grew over the years through visits to friends and acquaintances in Switzerland. I was particularly impressed by the lifestyle and natural beauty of the Sense district. Additionally, I was looking for an employer that takes pride in its products and company while also placing great value on how it treats its employees. After several years at EXTRAMET, I can confidently say that I have not only found the right employer but also my new home.

How did you come to EXTRAMET, and how were you supported upon arrival?

I came to EXTRAMET because I was interested in a CNC course. The company gave me the opportunity to do an internship in production. After that, I completed a CNC course, which allowed me to start working in the grinding department. From the very beginning, I felt well supported by my colleagues and the company. My questions were always answered, and their work experience helped me improve significantly. Now, I can solve various problems on my own and feel confident in my work. In the future, I want to support new employees just as well as I was supported.

Your native language is French. How do you handle this linguistic challenge in your daily work, and how does EXTRAMET support you?

I must admit that, as a French speaker in a German-speaking company, my beginnings were challenging. Fortunately, several of my colleagues, who were bilingual, helped me a lot with the language. They taught me how to operate the different machines in their own way. Today, after more than 11 years at EXTRAMET, I can say that I am very happy to still be part of the company. I am grateful to EXTRAMET for giving me a chance despite the language barrier.

How did your career progress from apprentice to department head?

In 2013, I was the first to start and complete an apprenticeship as an industrial ceramicist EFZ at EXTRAMET. After that, I had the opportunity to do an internship and a language stay at our former subsidiary in the USA to learn English. After returning, I began a part-time further education program in 2017 to become a certified ceramic technician (Germany), which I successfully completed. In 2020, I was given the opportunity to take on the responsibility of a department head. Leading my team and supporting their development continues to be a fulfilling experience every day! EXTRAMET is an outstanding company that continuously helps its employees grow and actively supports further education!

EXTRAMET offers you the possibility to work in shifts. How much do you appreciate this flexibility, and how has it affected your family life?

We are very satisfied with EXTRAMET and its two-shift work system. Working the late shift gives us more flexibility for appointments such as doctor visits, haircuts, and leisure activities. Having one parent at home at all times provides better opportunities for raising our children, ensuring a higher quality of life for both them and us as parents. This schedule allows us to spend more time with our children, help them with homework, and support them with any challenges they face. In special situations, one of us is always available, for example, when teachers call. Additionally, EXTRAMET allows us to leave work early when needed, which makes managing family life much easier. All of this enables us to maintain a calm and stress-free family life. We are deeply grateful to EXTRAMET for this support.

Switching to EXTRAMET as a career changer takes courage. What motivated you to take this step?

Before joining EXTRAMET, I worked as a trained ornamental plant gardener. Especially during the peak season in spring, the working hours were extremely long, and working on Saturdays was standard in the industry. EXTRAMET offers very family-friendly working conditions. Even as a shift worker, I can work part-time, allowing me to spend my mornings or afternoons with my family. As a mother, this flexibility is invaluable to me.

What motivates you to stay engaged after so many years? Why would you recommend a job at EXTRAMET to job seekers?

My workload at EXTRAMET is very flexible, which has been a great advantage and has helped me balance work and personal life over the years. The work atmosphere and strong team spirit bring me joy and keep me motivated. A job at EXTRAMET offers many different areas of expertise and plenty of variety for those willing to take on challenges. The company also invests heavily in training and further education, making it a great place to grow and develop.

Can you tell us more about how you balance your job and your role in the fire department?

My work and fire department duties are compatible for two key reasons:
1. Flexibility & Trust: Emergencies are unpredictable. Teamwork is not only essential in the fire department but also at EXTRAMET. When I’m called out for a mission, my colleagues step in, support the planning tasks, and understand any delays. After an operation, we return as quickly as possible to minimize downtime and complete our work.
2. Mutual Support: EXTRAMET actively promotes social engagement through the "Employer Partner of the Swiss Fire Department" initiative and grants release time for firefighters in the Sense district during working hours. As volunteer firefighters, we contribute to both our team and the company’s operations—whether by extinguishing small fires, providing first aid, or ensuring smooth production processes.