Pascal Loureiro da Silva

“If you train at Kuraray, you have good development opportunities”

Quality has top priority for Pascal Loureiro da Silva – both for products and in his role in vocational training. He joined Kuraray in 2015 as an apprentice chemical lab technician. Now he works in quality control and passes on his knowledge as an instructor. A strong team, space for high-quality vocational training and the long-term prospects offered by Kuraray are especially important to him.

“I make a difference at Kuraray by training our young colleagues and giving them the best possible start to their working lives.”

Pascal, what exactly do you do at Kuraray?

I work in the quality control lab in the MOWITAL® plant as deputy lab manager. My main task is checking and approving the products manufactured. I’m also responsible for special inspections, handling complaints and various organizational tasks such as purchasing lab supplies. In addition, I work as an instructor for apprentice chemical lab technicians.

What did becoming an instructor mean to you personally?

Supporting apprentices and watching them develop is a wonderful responsibility. The best moment is obviously when they get their exam results and have passed. Working with them on a daily basis is also fun – especially if they are motivated and enjoy coming to the lab. Overall, it’s a rewarding task because that what you pass on to them really makes a difference. From my own time as an apprentice, I know how important that support was for my development at Kuraray.

How did Kuraray support your development?

I was given time off to prepare for my exams at the Chamber of Industry and Commerce and Kuraray also paid for my certificate as an instructor. Now I’m given the freedom to support apprentices as part of my daily work. For example, if I need time to prepare training documents or explain test apparatus, the company enables me to do that. It’s nice to see that Kuraray attaches such importance to apprenticeships and enables the necessary support.

What do you see as the key features of an apprenticeship at Kuraray?

Kuraray offers very structured, high-quality training in collaboration with Provadis and the technical training school. One big advantage is that training does not focus solely on passing exams; it also includes long-term prospects within the company. We train apprentices with a view to hiring them when they qualify. That isn’t always the case in the chemical industry. Anyone who starts an apprenticeship with us has good long-term career prospects. Another big benefit is the pleasant working atmosphere at Kuraray. I’ve never come across anyone who says they don’t like their department or the team they work in. Teamwork and camaraderie are really good. Respect is also very important – generally, not just during your apprenticeship.

What does respect look like at Kuraray?

At Kuraray, you notice that your work is appreciated – not just by the team, but also by the management. For example, if you do well, you will very soon be given more responsibility. I’m given tasks that go beyond my normal job and am allowed to do things where I represent the plant to outsiders. That shows confidence in me and that Kuraray trusts me to help shape important issues.

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