During a taster session, you’ll experience at first hand what it’s like to be a solar installer and whether the job is right for you. Here, Lino reports on his experiences and impressions as a taster apprentice.
No two days are the same
It’s 7 a.m. and Lino arrives at his taster session at CKW. He’s given a warm welcome by Samuel. The 25-year-old trained electrician works as a plumber and service technician. Together with Bahar, who is also a qualified installation electrician, they prepare the materials for today’s installation: photovoltaic modules, cables and inverters. Personal tools such as pliers, drills and screwdrivers are already in the van. Then it’s off to Kriens. Solar panels are about to be installed on the roof of an industrial company. Lino helped to attach the substructure to the roof the day before. He quickly got the hang of it.
Something for outdoor lovers
Samuel explains what needs to be done and Lino lends a hand. Lino knows that caution is the top priority, regardless of whether the roof is flat or pitched. Lifting the material is no problem for the 16-year-old amateur footballer: “The modules aren’t particularly heavy. You just have to be careful not to damage anything.” The plan shows how the modules have to be arranged and connected to each other. “After installation, we connect the inverter,” explains Samuel. This converts the direct current produced by the solar power system into alternating current, which is required for use in the building and for feeding into the low-voltage grid. Teamwork is important, but customer contact is also part of the job, especially when retrofitting systems on detached houses.
Action-packed working days
The day ends at 4 p.m. Lino is tired but already looking forward to the next day. “Getting up early takes some getting used to, but I think it’s great to finish work so early.” After these two eventful days, he can well imagine completing an apprenticeship as a solar installer: “It’s a meaningful job with lots of action. You’re always part of a team, you’re outside on high roofs and you have a fantastic view!”
Curious? Then take a look here for an apprenticeship.
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