Sabrina has always had a soft spot for technology and was not afraid of a male-dominated profession. After leaving school, she decided to train as an industrial mechanic at ebm‑papst. "Out of interest - and because I was sure that as a woman I could do it just as well as any man," she says today.
In fact, women are - despite all campaigns such as the nationwide Girls' Day - still largely underrepresented in German industry and in the technical disciplines. But Sabrina doesn't see this as a shortcoming: "It motivates me to be something of a pioneer. At ebm‑papst, I've never had to experience that there was a difference between me and my male colleagues. Even as the only girl at vocational school, I never had any problems."
Sabrina shows what she can do and is appreciated and respected for it. Straight after completing her apprenticeship, she was given a permanent position in the pre-assembly department in Mulfingen in summer 2015. Here, the number of women and men is almost balanced at around 40 to 60 percent, as the production of smaller construction units involves handling fewer heavy components. After about a year, Sabrina's ambition took hold again in the fall of 2016: her goal was now a management position. But how could she continue her training while working shifts?
"I clearly stated my goal. My superior liked that and I was well supported."
Sabrina, master craftswoman
Sabrina was able to work a regular shift. This allowed her to earn money, attend the master school and have time to study. She also applied for special or rather educational leave. "It's required by law, but I didn't take it for granted that it would work out so smoothly," she says, looking back with gratitude.
Her master trainer Timo was particularly important during this time. "He supported me very well. He believed in the younger generation and saw me as a potential deputy early on." Sabrina sat in his office, saw the daily tasks live and was quickly involved in personnel issues.
After two years of master school, she graduated in summer 2018 and was deputy master in the production area from the beginning of 2017 until October 2019. This meant she was jointly responsible for the team of around 100 people and was able to gain further valuable experience for her professional career.
In October 2019, Sabrina was promoted from deputy to managing master and was therefore the first female manager at management level 3 in production. Here, she was expected to coordinate with her team leaders on her own responsibility. At the same time, there were two new changes.
On the one hand, performance-related remuneration (LeiV) was introduced, a system in which employees are no longer remunerated solely according to quantities, but in which the year-round assessment by their managers plays an important role. The LeiV performance criteria include work quantity and efficiency, work quality and improvement, commitment and flexibility as well as cooperation with others. As a managing master, Sabrina created these evaluations for her team for the first time in collaboration with the team leaders.
On the other hand, the new FE4 management level was introduced and Sabrina was able to select the next managers from her team together with her superiors and the HR department. Like Timo, she was now able to support and promote them in their role.
"Of course, it was a bit like being thrown in at the deep end. But on the other hand, I was delighted to be able to take on so much responsibility straight away."
Sabrina, master craftswoman
Today, Sabrina has become a mother and is currently on parental leave. But she is passionate about the company and her career. She keeps in touch with her colleagues. She definitely wants to return to work as a manager, albeit part-time. This is something she has clearly communicated to her employer.