People at ALPLA - Interview with Jörg Östreich

Thanks for taking the time, Jörg – let’s jump right in: How would you explain your job to a 6-year-old?

My responsibility is to make sure our apprentices learn all the key elements of their chosen profession and receive a solid training so they are well prepared for the technical demands in our ALPLA production plants. 

You are responsible for dual vocational training for young people in Mexico. What makes working with young people there special?

For me, it is incredibly rewarding to be part of their professional and personal development, and to help shape ALPLA’s future in this way. One of the biggest challenges is that the national school system in Mexico does not fully cover the knowledge required for an apprenticeship. My trainer team and I therefore spend much of the first year helping our apprentices build up essential foundational skills.

You are originally from Germany and now run the training workshop in Mexico. How did that come about?

Before joining ALPLA, I had already lived in Mexico for several years and was responsible for production at another company. I left that role for personal reasons, and after a few months’ break I became part of ALPLA in 2014. That’s when I began setting up the Future Corner Mexico, initially in Toluca.

Since when has ALPLA been offering this apprenticeship program in Mexico, and what became of the graduates?

Future Corner Toluca started in August/September 2012. In 2021, during a visit from the Lehner family, we received approval to establish a second Future Corner in San José Iturbide near Querétaro. Apprenticeship training has been running there since September 2022. In total, we train around 50 apprentices across both locations. In addition to classical vocational training, we also teach a broad range of subjects to provide young people with a well-rounded education.

Our former apprentices now work as product managers, CAD/CAM programmers, apprenticeship trainers, CNC milling specialists, CNC turning specialists, process technicians, mechatronics technicians in maintenance, infrastructure technicians, production team leaders – and in many other technical roles within production.

How do you promote entrepreneurial thinking within your team and among the apprentices?

By being fully transparent about all future-oriented requirements set by company leadership. This helps everyone understand what tasks lie ahead and which decisions will be needed. With our apprentices, we discuss topics related to their professional future almost every month. My trainers and I also share our own experiences. And whenever former apprentices visit us, I ask them to talk about their work and what they have learned in the plants. 

What has been your greatest professional or personal achievement so far?

I actually see three professional achievements as equally important: First, stabilizing and continuing the operation of an entire production site in Mexico between 2009 and 2014 (for another employer).
Second, building the second Future Corner in Bajío – from initial approval through ground-breaking, to opening the facility and launching the training program.
Lastly, the consistently strong results our apprentices achieve in their official German final exams. I know exactly how much dedication and effort from my team and each apprentice goes into those outcomes.

What do you enjoy most in your free time? What are your hobbies?

My family comes first, as well as short trips to the many remarkable towns and archaeological sites Mexico has to offer. I also passionately support my daughter’s equestrian activities. For myself, I enjoy cave diving and riding my motorcycle from time to time.

You grew up in Germany and now live in Mexico. What do you appreciate most about Mexico – and what do you miss from Germany or Europe?

love the warmth of the people in Mexico and their ability to take life as it comes – and celebrate it. Growing up in the Cologne region, this aligns perfectly with the Kölsches Grundgesetz: Et es wie et es. Et kütt wie et kütt. Et hätt noch emmer joot jejange. (It is what it is. It comes as it comes. And so far, it has always turned out well.)
From Germany, I especially miss good bread, a currywurst, or a schnitzel with fries – and a beer in a traditional pub.

This summer’s Football World Cup will also take place in Mexico. Who will you cheer for – Mexico or Germany?

Definitely Germany – those are my roots. After that, I’ll watch the Mexican matches and cheer along a little.

What should young people bring with them if they want to start a career at ALPLA?

Willpower, discipline, and the motivation to grow – both professionally and personally.

Can you describe ALPLA in three words?

Future-oriented – Opportunities – Passion.