Infineon and the "Day of the Sweatpants”

In the semiconductor industry, this much-discussed garment has a special significance. It is worn in production, by apprentices, in some developer offices all the way up to the executive floor. Here, it is not only "in," but a "must-have" in everyday high-tech life.

At the Infineon site in Villach, the sweatpants are a visible piece of clothing every day. This is because the tracksuit serves as a practical undergarment for the cleanroom clothing that has to be worn in the ultra-modern chip production facility. In the clean room, the microchips are manufactured in an absolutely particle-free environment, because even the smallest particle of dust would disrupt the function of the chips. The cleanroom suit and the special antistatic material of the sweatpants ensure cleanliness and safety for the skilled workers. And on top of that, the jogging suit is also practical and comfortable.

Thomas Reisinger, Board Member Operations at Infineon Technologies Austria AG: "In all my stations at different locations in the global Infineon Group, whether in Malaysia, Germany or now here in Villach, the jogging pants were and are my daily companion. Our apprentices also start with this basic outfit from day one. In high-tech manufacturing, we constantly need top-trained specialists. With our innovative apprenticeship programs, we offer young people in the region in-depth technical knowledge, state-of-the-art equipment and many career opportunities."

Infineon apprenticeship: "Career in a jogger"

In Villach, apprentices are currently being sought again for the double apprenticeship "Electrical & Metal Engineering" with the option of "Apprenticeship with Matura". A new model is "apprenticeship and studies". It is aimed specifically at high school graduates and combines the apprenticeship with the study of "Systems Engineering" at the Carinthian University of Applied Sciences. Apprenticeships at Infineon generally last four years. Currently, more than 90 young people are completing an apprenticeship at Infineon. Around a quarter of them are young women.

Jennifer Oberegger has already made the career transition from apprentice to trainer. During her apprenticeship, she learned two professions - electrical engineer and mechatronics technician - and completed an apprenticeship with a Matura. Oberegger: "As a trainer, I can now offer advice and support to the young technical talents. Teamwork is a top priority at Infineon anyway. My message goes out especially to young women: Try it out!"

Apprenticeships make you fit for the future

The technology sector offers attractive future opportunities with many career paths. Microchips from Infineon in Villach are used all over the world, in e-cars, trains, data centers, LED lighting, medical devices and also in solar and wind power systems. At Infineon, apprentices support microchip production to ensure that they are produced perfectly. They build, program, maintain equipment and control digital processes. In the Infineon workshop, they are accompanied by experienced trainers, produce customized components and can develop their manual skills in welding, soldering, turning and milling. The first one and a half years of training take place in cooperation with the Technical Academy in St. Andrä in Lavanttal. After that, the apprentices are deployed at the Villach site.

David Oswald, is in his third year of apprenticeship and has opted for the apprenticeship with Matura: "During my apprenticeship, I learn everything I need to know in modern industrial production. I can get to know different areas and, for example, see what maintenance technicians do in production. Technical specialists are more in demand than ever, I see a lot of opportunities for me here."

Daniela Lagger, started at Infineon three years ago as one of the first pioneers in the "apprenticeship and studies" model after graduating from HBLA Pitzelstätten: "I was immediately enthusiastic about the possibility of completing an apprenticeship in combination with studies. I am now in my third year and the work is very varied. We learn everything about electrical and machining technology or programming in the company's own apprentice workshop. And if something doesn't work right away - with the team spirit, anything goes. The working atmosphere is perfect, I feel very comfortable in this technical environment."

Secure workplace with top opportunities

Infineon offers a secure training position and scores points for its international orientation. As a state-awarded training company, there is technical training and good pay, as well as flexible working time models, training and further education, a canteen, social benefits, health programs and international career prospects.

Facts and figures about apprenticeship at Infineon: 

• Dual apprenticeship in electrical engineering & metal technology as well as apprenticeship with Matura (university entrance qualification) Applications until
• Apprenticeship and studies (apprenticeship in process/electrical engineering and parallel study of systems engineering at the FH Kärnten) Applications until July 15, 2023
• Duration of apprenticeship: four years
• Start of the new apprenticeship year: September 2023
• Applications: www.infineon.com/jobsaustria

Infineon Technologies Austria AG is a group subsidiary of Infineon Technologies AG, a world-leading provider of semiconductor solutions that make life easier, safer and greener. Microelectronics from Infineon reduce the energy consumption of consumer electronics, domestic appliances and industrial facilities. They make a major contribution to the convenience, security and sustainability of vehicles, and enable secure transactions in the Internet of Things.

Infineon Austria pools competencies for research and development, production as well as global business responsibility. The head office is in Villach, with further branches in Graz, Klagenfurt, Linz and Vienna. With 5,461 employees from 79 countries (including 2,390 in research and development), in the financial year 2022 (ending in September) the company achieved a turnover of € 5.2 billion. With a research expenditure of 585 million euros, Infineon Austria is one of the strongest research companies in Austria.