German Student aims high with Cranes in Sunderland

A German student has spent a month in Sunderland thanks to crane manufacturer Liebherr and an exchange with the city’s twin town, Essen.

The German Krupp Foundation’s Apprenticeship Programme has allowed 17- year-old Essen student Ann Leiffels to spend a month working at Liebherr’s River Wear facility.

Ann’s also experienced family life in the north east, staying in Seaham with the parents of a Liebherr employee.

Ann’s been working on the ground helping develop a new training system, but she got the opportunity last week to climb to the top of a Liebherr 22 metre high crane.

“That was a highlight of the visit”, Ann said, “and I’m very proud to have been chosen to come here. Liebherr is a great company, with sites across the world as well as in Sunderland, so this experience has been very good for my future career. It’s been a fantastic four weeks.”

It’s not been all work and no play, with trips organised to Durham, York and Edinburgh, and Ann’s enjoyed Sunderland hospitality including a reception hosted by the Mayor of Sunderland, Councillor Barry Curran.

Liebherr Sunderland’s managing director, Ralph Saelzer said: “We have supported the exchange programme for several years now and have always enjoyed hosting a student.

“It’s offered a great opportunity for Ann to experience a different culture at the work place and probably even more importantly with the host family.”

The council’s international manager, Catherine Auld said: “Sunderland and twin town Essen have worked with the Krupp Foundation on this programme for many years. We are grateful to Liebherr for the opportunity they have given Ann to learn about life and work in Sunderland.”