From Apprentice to Experienced Toolmaker
Career Beginnings and the Path to the Job
Jan completed his training as a toolmaker at the Sigmund Engineering School in Lutín. As early as his second year, he gained practical experience at weba – and stayed on after graduation. “Mechanical engineering has fascinated me for as long as I can remember. I love creating things with my own hands, finding solutions, and seeing the result of my work. No day is ever the same,” Jan says.
A Job Full of Challenges, Creativity, and Precision
For Jan, toolmaking is a profession that never becomes monotonous. “It’s a creative and varied job, but also full of challenges. Sometimes it’s mentally demanding – especially when solving complex problems. But that’s exactly what makes it exciting,” he says with a smile. What excites him most is being part of the entire process – from raw material to the finished form that ultimately finds its way into a vehicle.
Jan has also gained valuable experience through numerous international projects – in Poland, Germany, Slovakia, France, Hungary, and China.
A Year in China – Great Challenge, Respect, and Experiences for Life
When the opportunity arose to work in China for a year, Jan didn’t hesitate – although he admits he had great respect for the task. “It was a huge responsibility. They chose me specifically, and I didn’t want to disappoint the trust placed in me,” he recalls. His mission: to share his expertise with Chinese colleagues, improve workflows, and support technical problem-solving on weba tools. “At first, we had to find our rhythm – culturally and in terms of work. But soon we realized that we spoke the same language – the language of craftsmanship,” Jan laughs.
For him, the time in China was not only about work but also about discovering a completely new culture. He was particularly impressed by the country’s drive for innovation and technological progress, especially in the field of electromobility. “It was incredible to see how far they’ve come in developing electric cars. Electricity is extremely cheap there, the charging infrastructure is dense – really on every corner, even at private homes – and the purchase price of electric cars is significantly lower than that of combustion vehicles,” he explains. In the cities, electric vehicles already dominate the streets. “In rural areas, it’s not yet as common, but they’re still several years ahead of us,” he adds.
Beyond technology, Jan was also fascinated by the country’s cultural and natural diversity. “In China, you can experience completely different worlds within just a few hours of travel – the north is mountainous and sparsely populated, while the south is warm, green, and full of tea plantations and rice fields. And then there’s the history! The Forbidden City, the Summer Palace, the Great Wall – you simply have to see it,” he says enthusiastically.
During his year in China, his family came to visit – a moment he’ll never forget. “It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience for all of us. Without this assignment abroad, they probably would never have seen China,” Jan says with a smile. And since Jan is an adventurer at heart, he took every opportunity to travel. He visited Shanghai, Beijing, Hangzhou, and Dandong – the city where the Great Wall begins and the border with North Korea lies.
In his free time, he and friends traveled to Vietnam, rented motorcycles, and explored Southeast Asia on two wheels. “That was pure freedom – friendship, adventure, and countless unforgettable memories,” he recalls.
Balance Between Work and Life
After returning home, Jan became even more aware of how important balance is between work and personal life. He enjoys spending time with friends – often over a beer and good conversations with people from different backgrounds and industries. “The diversity of people was the best part of my time abroad. Everyone had their own story – from workers to executives – and yet we could all connect,” he says.
Advice for Young Professionals
When asked for his advice to newcomers, Jan laughs: “Simple – don’t stress out! You grow with every challenge.” Short, honest, and so typically Jan – down-to-earth, open-minded, and with a good sense of humor.
‘Where there’s a will, there’s a way.’
Jan even has this saying tattooed – in Chinese characters. A symbol of willpower, courage, and determination – values that guide him both professionally and personally.
Jan Wengryn is living proof that success is built on honest craftsmanship, courage, and openness to the world. Whether in the workshop or thousands of kilometers away, Jan works with precision, respect, and passion.
