Responsibility from day one. Anyone starting vocational training at KSK is not meant simply to watch, but to get involved. Tyler Spickermann experiences this every day. Since August 2025, the 20-year-old has been training as an industrial management assistant at KSK and, even in his first year of vocational training, carries real responsibility. “You do not spend all your time following the trainer around and watching,” he says. “You have your own tasks and your own responsibility.” That is exactly what convinced him.
From business-focused A-levels to hands-on experience
Tyler Spickermann completed his business-focused A-levels at the vocational college in Geilenkirchen and knew early on which direction he wanted to take. “I knew: I wanted to do something in business, in an office.” Instead of going to university, he deliberately chose hands-on experience: “I’d had enough of just school. I wanted to do vocational training.” He already knew KSK from several work placements, during which he walked through the halls, got to know the coating processes and, above all, came away with a good feeling about the people he would be working with here.
Purchasing, production control and customer contact
In his first year of vocational training, Tyler Spickermann has already seen quite a lot. He is currently working in purchasing, preparing orders and posting invoices. He is also getting a taste of production planning – and that is what he has enjoyed most so far. “It is very varied. You deal a lot with your own people and have to coordinate with employees on how something can be coated.” He is also in contact with customers. His first small project of his own, where he corresponded with the customer himself, showed him just how much independence is possible here.
Settling into the team
A joint onboarding session with all trainees helped make the start easier. Company rules, a tour of the workshops, small tasks and group presentations: this is how the newcomers got to know the company and one another. What stands out most is the impression made by their colleagues. “I received a very warm welcome straight away and was quickly shown the ropes,” says Tyler, who plays for FC Randerath Porselen in the Kreisliga. For him, that was precisely what mattered when choosing a company for his vocational training: “You should get up in the morning and not think: I really can’t be bothered. When you’re motivated, you do your job better too.”
Tips for the next apprentices
As someone who has only just started himself, Tyler Spickermann has clear advice for anyone joining KSK after him: “First, listen carefully to what is being done here and stick with your trainer.” Above all, though: “Write things down. That’s very important so you don’t have to ask the same question a thousand times.” And once a task has been completed, let someone know and ask for the next one. Being friendly and introducing yourself are part of it too. The basics, perhaps, but ones that make all the difference.
Football, fitness and friends
Tyler Spickermann finds balance alongside vocational training and vocational school through sport. He has played club football since childhood as a defender, and he wants to step things up again in the new season. There is also the gym, preferably with friends – “you motivate each other, and it is more fun.” And if there is any time left, he meets friends, goes out or simply winds down quietly in the evening.
Team spirit at KSK
Tyler Spickermann is only at the beginning of his journey – and can easily imagine continuing it at KSK. His plan is to stay on after vocational training and have a secure job. He is attracted by the opportunity to develop further, for example by gaining a business qualification alongside work. The fact that KSK supports such paths fits with what the “we” here is all about: a family-owned business with around 260 employees that entrusts young people with responsibility from day one and offers prospects beyond vocational training.
Start your vocational training at KSK
Have you gained a qualification and want practical experience rather than just theory? At KSK, you take on responsibility early, work in a team that welcomes you and develop as far as you want to. Discover our vocational training and career opportunities, and become part of the team.