Today, you enable others to access the tech world. What advice would you give your 18-year-old self, just starting out?
Manuel: Stay open and curious. At that age, I learned a lot from experienced colleagues – and I still build on those impressions and lessons today. That’s why I have great respect for our training supervisors who share their expertise with young people.
What do you enjoy most about your work?
Manuel: Definitely the variety. I work across different areas and with many kinds of people – from apprentices to executives. Every generation brings its own perspective. I find it especially exciting to test and apply new technologies in practice.
Is there a moment with apprentices that especially impressed or moved you?
Manuel: I’ll never forget the first time I stood in front of our apprentices to pass on my knowledge.
How did you first join EnBW?
Manuel: I joined EnBW in 2012 – back then as an apprentice IT systems electronics technician. Afterwards, I worked as a trainer myself, focusing on topics like new media, IT and VDE courses. Then came my advanced technical college qualification, a dual study program in Business Informatics at Netze BW, a move to Karlsruhe as Digitalization Consultant – and finally, my current role as Manager Digitalization Education. I also successfully completed my master’s degree this year.
What does a typical workday look like for you?
Manuel: A lot of coordination meetings – with EnBW IT, research partners, and major US tech companies. Whenever possible, we involve our apprentices and dual students in these projects.
Which departments do you work most closely with?
Manuel: Mainly with IT and generation departments that have great ideas for potential pilot projects.
What are the most exciting digitalization projects for you?
Manuel: Definitely the Spot robot from Boston Dynamics. It can move safely in complex environments, climb stairs, avoid obstacles, and serve as a carrier system for sensors. Depending on the sensors used, we can collect and analyze different data sets using AI – for example, to detect issues in facilities before outages occur.
Why is it important to involve apprentices in these projects?
Manuel: The Spot system is part of our training program. We don’t just want to develop technology – we want to involve the next generation early on. They act as multipliers and bring fresh ideas into the company.
What makes Spot so special, and what can it do?
Manuel: The unique thing about this four-legged robotic system is its reliable mobility in complex environments. Whether it needs to climb stairs or find an alternative route when the direct path is blocked – once trained, the system works extremely reliably. It can overcome obstacles that would be impossible for robots with wheels or tracks.
However, Spot itself is primarily a carrier system for sensors, much like a drone. Depending on which sensors are installed, it can collect different types of data and process them using AI. In this way, Spot can help contribute to the success of the energy transition.
How do you use AI and data in training?
Manuel: Our goal isn’t just efficiency – it’s to teach how to work with the technology. We want to prepare apprentices and students for the working world of the future.
In your opinion, what will be the biggest change in training due to digitalization?
Manuel: AI will transform the working world enormously. New jobs will emerge, and we’re adapting our training portfolio accordingly – for example, by introducing the study program Embedded Systems (B.Eng.) and expanding our focus on AI disciplines.
What challenges come with introducing new technologies?
Manuel: Projects are becoming more complex, which is why we rely on new methodological approaches such as SCRUM. More and more trainers are also becoming certified as agile coaches or learning facilitators.
Technology keeps evolving – what stays the same?
Manuel: People. Technology should always aim to make people’s lives easier and better.
What advice would you give to others who want to drive digital innovation?
Manuel: Transparency is key. I’m always happy about ideas I haven’t thought of myself – that’s how synergies arise and everyone benefits.
Describe your job in three words.
Manuel: People. Technology. Energy.