Maria (37) from Ichtershausen has already been working in production at CATL since fall 2021. She started in the module production area, but in the future, she will work in the clean room of our cell production. Recently, she has even already been appointed team leader.
Your way to CATL
Ever since she heard about CATL locating in her neighborhood, Maria was excited about the project. "I was just attracted to the whole thing. Throughout my working life, I've been pursuing this green idea. [...] I started in the solar industry. I wanted to do something like that again. I just think it's great that it's alive again here. And that I can also contribute a small part to the CO2 neutrality with my knowledge," Maria enthuses.
Everyday work and teamwork
Although the teams at CATL are made up of a wide variety of personalities, generations and cultures, Maria reports that the interaction is always open and appreciative. Currently, she is still the only female team leader among her male colleagues. But "I enjoy it and hope for more female team leaders."
Cultural festivals of the two main cultures are celebrated together with the Chinese colleagues: "We celebrated the Moon Festival and Easter together. I had two colleagues with whom I exchanged little Easter greetings. That was a great appreciation."
In just one year, Maria has already witnessed some of CATL's milestones live. She fondly remembers "when we took the first 200 modules off the line. There we all stood, regardless of nationality, and high-fived. That was a great sense of achievement."
What's special about production at CATL
Above all, the state-of-the-art technology and new equipment really excite Maria: "I get excited about going into the clean room every day. I really wanted to go back to the clean room. When I see the new equipment shining there, it's very special. [...] I really like the area I'm assigned to. There's a lot of laser technology, ultrasonic lasers, so it's exactly what I wanted to do!" An affinity for technology can definitely be lived out at CATL, Maria confirms.
But she also appreciates the collaboration in a diverse team: "Working with all the diverse colleagues, I think that's cool. You can improve your English. I also learned a little Chinese. [...] I also really like the cordiality of the Chinese colleagues," she adds.
Have you already been able to develop professionally at CATL?
"Definitely yes. I came here unbiased as an operator. The managers saw potential in me, which I thought was great. I was able to contribute with my knowledge and got good feedback." After completing her probationary period, Maria was offered the opportunity to develop into a team leader. In addition, she received various management training courses, which made it easier for her to take the next step in her career: "You're not thrown in at the deep end. Everyone is dealt with individually. That helped me a lot."
What do you appreciate about CATL?
The varied activities make CATL the "workplace I was looking for," Maria tells us. In addition to her position in production, she is a member of CATL's fire protection team and was trained here as a squad member and respirator wearer. She is very enthusiastic about these diverse development opportunities: "Everything is possible. [...] Here it is lived: no matter what gender, what skin color, what age, you have opportunities."
How do you imagine your future teammates?
"For me personally, reliability is important. No matter in which respect. Also someone who can take criticism and doesn't take it too much to heart."
