At over 50, Roswitha Dörner has learned to learn again in the CITT Intensive Course as Machinery and Equipment Operator – decades after leaving school.

Roswitha Dörner actually wanted to become a beautician – the job as a conveyor belt worker at Continental was only a temporary solution for the then 19-year-old hairdresser. That was 32 years ago. Today, Rosi, as she is called by her colleagues at the Villingen-Schwenningen site, is still working in production – for five years as a shift supervisor, until recently without an industrial vocational qualification. That has changed since this year, because in July the 53-year-old successfully completed her Chamber of Industry and Commerce examination to become a Machinery and Equipment Operator. It took her just under two years to complete the in-service intensive course, which CITT is implementing specifically to meet the requirements of the site.

The suggestion for further training came from Roswitha Dörner's boss - and was met with little enthusiasm at first: "Oh my goodness, another apprenticeship at my age?" It was only after encouraging discussions with her supervisor and her adult son that Roswitha gave the matter a chance. But the start was bumpy: "After a week, I wanted to quit everything. All that sitting and listening during the virtual live training was extremely difficult for me; in my job, I'm always on the go, constantly on the move." The content and amount of material also seemed impossible for her to do: Formulas - spreadsheets - math. "Fortunately, my boss calmed me down and offered his help, as did the mechanics at my production facility." She also receives support in class, where Roswitha is the oldest in the class: "Math in particular has never been my thing, even as a young girl. But the trainer was just awesome and had good nerves with us."

Learning to learn again – that's a challenge in continuing education for many adults who have left their school or training years behind them for a long time. Roswitha Dörner bit her way through and gradually gained more fun, confidence – and ambition: "At my age, some people are already thinking about retirement, but I wanted more! So I sat down, made a plan, and kept scheduling time to study, and it worked. Eventually, it got easier for me – also thanks to great support from everyone."

The usual structure of the intensive course at the Villingen site as block instruction and the alternation between theory and practical phases and her job as a shift supervisor, where she could "switch off" from learning again and again, made it easier for Roswitha to stay on the ball. As her knowledge grew, so did her curiosity. The practical part in particular, which was carried out in the training centers at the site, awakened a new understanding - for the materials and machines, but also for the work of her colleagues: "Since then, I don't stress the mechanics in my team as much anymore, because now I see for myself what kind of work it is and what's sometimes involved.

Over the months, Roswitha passes through various departments during the practical phases, gets to know new colleagues and constantly expands her knowledge: "I got new knowledge in areas like plastics, electronics, mechanics, I learned how to mill, turn or drill." When time permits, Rosi has asked "her boys" to show and explain the various tools to her. She is also getting to grips with the machines for the first time: "A basic interest was there before – you can't do without it. But now I see the connections and have a much better handle on the equipment, which is great."

In July, Roswitha Dörner successfully passed her IHK final exam - and was even honored by the Continental Institute of Technology and Transformation as one of the best graduates in Germany. "In the exam, I felt like a child again. But the fact that I now have the certificate in my pocket, in black and white, makes me proud. "

How does the graduate look back on the almost two years a few months later? "The training was a turbulent, but also enjoyable time. I can really recommend this experience to everyone – it's the only way to stay fit for the future. Yes, you have to keep at it, but you lose absolutely nothing. You should also never be too subtle to simply ask if you don't understand something or want things explained again. I am very grateful for this opportunity. The fact that we at Continental can combine work and training so well and even continue to get our money – that’s awesome! A huge thank you also goes to my colleagues and everyone else who supported me during this time!"

Info: The CITT offers the training " Machinery and Equipment Operator " as a regular intensive course, which leads to the IHK vocational qualification in four months. Click here for the course profile. In Villingen-Schwenningen, the CITT also offers a part-time version that is specially tailored to the needs of the location.