Apprenticeship at KTM

KTM in 3 words: INNOVATION – PASSION – ADRENALINE
The KTM brand has fascinated me for some time now. I started riding motorcycles at the age of 16 on a KTM 125 DUKE. The following year, with my first Enduro, I discovered a passion for fine-tuning and tinkering around on motorcycles. For this reason, it quickly became clear to me that I wanted to do my vocational training in this field, and so I decided to take up an apprenticeship as a motorcycle technician at KTM.
I was very excited and most curious to find out what awaited me on my first trial working day at KTM, particularly because it was a long trip from Germany to Mattighofen (over 600 km). When I finally arrived in Mattighofen, all my expectations were exceeded – I was entering paradise.
Of course, moving from Germany to Austria was a big step and involved some challenges. However, the trainers provided great support and made it easy for me to settle in quickly in Austria and in the company. My other colleagues also tried hard to make me feel comfortable here and I quickly made new friends. I have since got used to the completely different culture, the Austrian humor and even the dialect .
The special thing about my apprenticeship at KTM is that I get such deep insights into the company. You have the chance to really get involved and be part of the actual development of a motorcycle. KTM also offers a wide range of interesting further training opportunities, and we have fun team-building outings as well. This strengthens our team spirit, and you get to know a lot of new people.
In 2018 and 2019, I had the honor of being part of the very important “KTM Motohall” project. This is the new event location that offers an insight into the history of the company and motor sports. During this time, I was able help set up and transport the exhibition bikes. The direct working relationship with my manager is something very special; during this period, I have been able to acquire a lot of knowledge and have been taught a lot. The team behind this project is fantastic, and we have a great employment relationship. It’s a relaxed atmosphere and it’s fun to work here.
Everything is based on trust which means as an apprentice I am allowed to perform a lot of tasks independently. Of course, this is a great advantage for me, as it really gives you the chance to gain experience and to learn a lot of new things. The biggest motivator is the great team and the fact that I am involved in such an important project. It’s nice to see what you have worked on together and accomplished as a team. It makes you incredibly proud to be part of this orange family.
One positive challenge is that I can apply my technical understanding on a daily basis, at KTM, you are stretched a lot and you never get bored. I look forward to coming to work every day and am always fascinated to see what the day will bring.
Its hard to say what “THE” coolest thing about KTM is – it’s all cool – the whole package is fantastic. The job and the brand are such an important part of my life.
It’s great to have so many like-minded people around. My enjoyment is shared by so many people here, which of course gives me a great boost every day.
My tip to all future applicants would be: Be brave, don’t pretend to be something you’re not and do whatever you feel like doing. At KTM, you can go a long way if you are friendly and show commitment.
Innovation – passion – adrenaline. That’s what KTM means to me. For me, “READY TO RACE” means always giving your best and never losing sight of the goal.

I started my training as a mechatronics engineer (main module in production engineering) at KTM in fall 2017. I work at KTM because the close link to the product, the motorcycle, connects me to the company. My apprenticeship is very wide-ranging and varied. I know that lots of people say that, but here with us it really is true!
Mechatronics is a mixture of electrical and mechanical engineering, so my field covers a wide range of different tasks. Starting with turning and milling, through welding, to electrics, you learn about everything. In addition, my role also involves checking and measuring mechanical and electrical quantities. At KTM I am allowed to practice, learn and try out all this directly on the motorcycle.
We receive a lot of training and further education in the company and also at the ABZ Braunau to give us the ideal preparation for our future career. This includes, for example, turning and milling training, welding courses, PLC training, pneumatics training and much more.
KTM has a very laid-back working atmosphere. We apprentices are trusted and accordingly the company already has a lot of confidence in us, we are encouraged and challenged. This makes my apprenticeship a place of work for my future.
I’m not only an apprentice at KTM, but also Chair of the Youth Consultative Council. The Youth Consultative Council represents the interests of the apprentices and young people in the company. It helps with professional and private problems and offers an important facility for apprentices to have their say in the company. Together we organize excursions and always have an open ear for any worries and needs. In my position as Chair of the Youth Consultative Council, I work closely with the Works Council.
For me, KTM means: Fun, future & success. Ready to Race means being ready for challenges.
My tip for future apprentices: Go through the company and the apprenticeship period with motivation and in a good mood, because you also get that back.

KTM in three words: INNOVATIVE – INTERNATIONAL – ORANGE

4 years ago, I started my apprenticeship at KTM as a CAD designer and today I work in research and development in the field of Design Exterior Offroad. I chose the profession of a CAD designer because I discovered my interest in technical drawing combined with computer work in the subject “Geometric Drawing” at school. Despite the big differences to the school subject, I have never regretted my choice of profession for a single day.

I was attracted to KTM mainly because of my love for motorcycles. As a child I already owned a pit bike – later I rode a moped. Therefore, KTM was my first choice.

One moment I will remember for a long time was when I stood on stage at the graduation ceremony for my apprenticeship, was congratulated on my apprenticeship, which I completed with excellent results, and was presented with my bike. Before that I had already received the certificate and knew that the apprenticeship was finished. The party that was held for us apprentices at KTM Motohall was for me the official end of my apprenticeship. I hope that for the first-year apprentices who attended the celebration, this event will serve as motivation for their time ahead.

My first task after my takeover was to design a battery compartment for a motorcycle that will be on the market in two years. It was exciting to hold the 3D-printed prototype in my hand for the first time. At first, you only ever see what you want to design on the screen and then you really have it in front of you. Afterwards you turn the part in your hands, and you can say something about every geometry and you know exactly where you were challenged.

The working atmosphere at KTM is very collegial, we also talk about private matters. I used to think that research and development was a very stiff, quiet area and today I experience every day how relaxed and dynamic work is here. I especially appreciate the “DU-culture” and the friendly atmosphere.

READY TO RACE is my daily bread. The motorcycles, which we construct in my department, ride almost unchanged in such way in the MX GP around the victory. Every day we work hard to provide the riders with the material that makes them READY TO RACE.

KTM in 3 words: Quality, innovation and success

The KTM company won me over as soon as I got a taste of it. The production technician apprenticeship was explained to me, and I subsequently applied for this.

During my apprenticeship, I was able to get to know lots of departments, e.g. Maintenance, Quality Management and Factory Tours. The cooperation with my instructors was very good, so I always felt at ease. Whenever I had questions, they always took a lot of time for me and explained everything carefully.

KTM offers a great many further training opportunities for apprentices. For example, I was able to take an English class and participate in IT, welding and electrical training courses. I thought the basic training in the first year of the apprenticeship was particularly good. An external teacher prepared us for vocational school, which was very easy for me because of this! KTM also offers an apprenticeship with a school-leaving certificate, with some of the courses for this even taking place in the company.

The annual apprentice workshop was always a great experience. At this workshop, all the apprentices come together. Lots of seminars on personal development are offered. And on the last day, there is always a cool outing.

After my apprenticeship, I took the training course to become an apprentice trainer myself. I find it very exciting to be in this role now. Thanks to my own experiences, I find it very easy to put myself in their shoes.

There are very good chances for promotion at KTM. I am now responsible for the guided tours and the sales area and external events in the KTM Motohall. My technical training helps me a lot with the guided tours with potential customers. Before the opening of the KTM Motohall, I was also in contact with former racers to collect their old motorcycles and their motorcycle clothing for the museum, and I then met some of the racers in person during the opening ceremony.

My highlight at KTM was when I was given a motorcycle as a present after successfully completing my apprenticeship. I am regularly on the road with my motorcycle, and the region has many wonderful options for possible rides. KTM also offers you the possibility to rent a motorcycle for a weekend at a reasonable price.

My tips for future apprentices: Always be honest and give your best in order to leave a good impression everywhere.