Magdalena Graf and Natalie Perchthaler, paper mill seasonal workers

“A Summer Job Like No Other”

While many young people enjoy soaking up the sun in summer, paper mill seasonal workers Magdalena Graf and Natalie Perchthaler are trading their free time for fascinating insights into the world of paper production. Magdalena and Natalie work shifts at the Mondi Frantschach paper mill during the summer months. They demonstrate that technology and industry are no longer exclusively male-dominated fields.

A summer job with a twist – right in the thick of things instead of just watching from the sidelines

Natalie is a technical high school student who uses her summer to get a real taste of factory life: "Working directly on the complex paper machines is incredible and experiencing the complex production process up close provides invaluable experience that no textbook can replace. Additionally, the pay is very attractive, especially due to the shift work."

Magdalena is already working as a paper technology seasonal worker in Frantschach for the third time. For her, it's the perfect addition to her Mechatronics/Robotics studies at the University of Applied Sciences Technikum Wien: "Production runs around the clock – and we seasonal workers are fully involved. I'm learning so much, the team is fantastic and after a night shift, I get consecutive days off in a row – perfect for leisure and relaxation."

And what are the prerequisites for this summer job?

Magdalena and Natalie agree: "We just went for it and can recommend this kind of summer job! If you're interested in technology, regardless of gender, you*ll find paper technology fascinating. The machines are big and complex, but the team is very supportive. You also have to know, that shift work is allowed from age 18 upwards."

From the paper machine to final packaging, they see a lot – and play an active role in making sure perfect paper rolls leave the factory.

What both especially appreciate: the work here is ordinary. Real technical processes: operating machines, monitoring workflows, performing quality checks, and being part of a well-coordinated shift team.

A technical job – a career booster, especially for women

A seasonal job in the paper mill is a cool, interesting and well-paid summer job and an investment in the future. Anyone who gets a taste of the job quickly realizes how exciting technology can be – and that women are not just welcomed but truly valued in technical professions. Natalie, for example, has become so enthusiastic through her summer job that she's now considering starting an apprenticeship as a paper technologist at Mondi Frantschach after graduating from technical school. A dual education means hands-on skills, career prospects, and a field with a future – a path that several female colleagues at Mondi have already taken successfully.