Apprentice Abroad

As part of Bauer Equipment UK's commitment to developing the next generation of skilled technicians, our Level 3 Mechatronics Maintenance Engineering Technician apprentice, Finley Bennington, recently had the opportunity to undertake a placement at Bauer’s headquarters in Schrobenhausen, Germany. We caught up with him to hear about the experience and how it’s already shaping their work back in the UK.

Q: How long were you training in Germany, and what was the focus of the program?
A: The training lasted seven weeks and formed a key part of my Level 3 Mechatronics Apprenticeship. The main goal was to gain a deeper understanding of how Bauer rigs and equipment are manufactured, with an emphasis on building my mechanical and technical knowledge.

Q: What did the structure of the training look like?
A: It was practical which I really enjoyed. I was involved in tasks like repairing BG’s, working on MCs and grabs, and repairs on KDKs. I also spent time in the assembly area, building KDKs from scratch, which was a highlight for me.

Q: How did the hands-on experience improve your understanding of Bauer machinery?
A: Massively. I worked on assembling gearboxes for RB rigs, and that’s something that can be applied across the fleet. I learned how to read mechanical drawings and schematics more confidently. I also had the chance to work on a wider variety of rigs than I typically would in the UK — everything from RBs, RTGs, MCs with grabs & cutters, and oscillators.

Q: Were you taught any diagnostic or troubleshooting techniques?
A: Yes, especially around fault-finding. I spent a lot of time tracing hydraulic schematics on KDKs, which has already proven useful since coming back. The ability to understand and identify problems on a schematic is a big part of being effective in my role. 

Q: What was it like working in the Bauer training facility in Germany?
A: Honestly, it was a bit daunting at first, but the team was really welcoming and helpful. The environment was fast-paced but supportive. Compared to the UK, the production line setup was very different — we don’t usually work with gearboxes here, so that was a unique and valuable part of the experience.

Q: Were there any language barriers, and how did you manage them?
A: Yes, there were a few times where we had to use Google Translate to get by, particularly with my broad Yorkshire accent but overall, we managed well. The team was patient, and we found ways to communicate and work together.

Q: Did you get to collaborate with apprentices or technicians from other countries?
A: Not from other countries, but two of the Apprentices in Germany are now on placement here in the UK, so it’ll be great to show them around BEUK and introduce them to Yorkshire!

Q: Since returning, how have you applied what you learned?
A: I’ve definitely got a better grasp of the mechanics behind the components I work with — especially things like the KDK. It’s helped me approach repairs and diagnostics with more confidence. 

Q: Was there a part of the training that really stood out to you?
A: The hands-on training was invaluable. Getting to build components from scratch, rather than just repairing them, gave me a new perspective on how everything fits and works together.

Q: Would you recommend this experience to other apprentices?
A: Definitely. It’s not just about becoming a better technician — the experience helped me grow personally as well. You come back with more confidence, a deeper understanding of your work, and being able to speak a small bit of German!