Here in the Chäserrugg area of Toggenburg, where I learned to ski, I am now doing my apprenticeship as a cable car mechatronics engineer. I always wanted to do something technical, helping my father change tyres and do DIY. I also considered becoming a power line technician. I enjoyed climbing the electricity pylons, but two days of installation work in a house was less appealing.
The fact that I, as a woman, wanted to train as a cable car mechanic was not a big issue. I did a taster course once in autumn during the hiking season and once in winter during the skiing season. I was allowed to help out with the subsequent spring maintenance, and that's when I made my decision. My supervisor told me straight away that they would take me on.
If something breaks, we have to find a solution. This also includes serving at the cash register and looking after guests.
My job involves checking, maintaining, repairing and servicing the ski lifts, cable cars and funicular railways. I monitor operations or ride in the gondola or funicular railway. If something breaks down, we have to find a solution. My duties also include working at the ticket office and providing customer service.
I particularly enjoy the mechanical work in the workshop, but also being outdoors. Of course, we have a great responsibility for the safety of our guests. That's why we check everything in pairs and carefully record every part installed and every step of the work. It just feels good to already be a full member of the team.
