Apprenticeship @ BIROP: Lessons Learnt from Pius Leserf and Benjamin Geisser
26-11-2024 – Pius Leserf recently completed his apprenticeship with our Biomedical and Robotic Technologies Platform (BIROP). His mentor, Benjamin Geisser, also shares his thoughts as Pius' mentor.
Our Biomedical and Robotic Technologies Platform (BIROP) is one of two core pillars of support that Wyss Zurich offers to incoming projects. Project teams leverage the expertise of BIROP to accelerate their transfer to market by tapping on multidisciplinary expertise and services.
Expertise on the BIROP team covers a diverse range of core competences such as product development, engineering, industrial design, prototyping, design transfer and quality by design.
BIROP regularly accepts apprentices as part of Switzerland's dual education system, giving them practical and valuable work experience that they can build upon through additional academic or professional training.
Having recently completed his apprenticeship with BIROP, we took this opportunity to ask Pius Leserf about how he feels about this experience.
What are three key learnings that you gained during your time with BIROP?
I learned a lot about structure and planning projects. In my field of expertise, what excited me most were:
- STM32* programming – I worked with various peripherals and a real-time operating system.
- Printed Circuit Board (PCB) design – I had the opportunity to focus my efforts on good layer-stackups and high-power applications.
- Lastly, developing a Graphical User Interface (GUI) for a touch display for the resistor box, which allows users to select different resistance configurations and view parameters such as currents as graphs.
(*STM32 microcontrollers are designed to operate with low power consumption, making them ideal for battery-powered and energy-efficient applications.)
What was most rewarding about your apprenticeship here at Wyss Zurich?
The most rewarding part was learning from my mentor, Benjamin Geisser, as well as the entire team. Additionally, I am truly proud of my work for my final project, which involved designing a PCB for a resistor box used in performance testing.
Looking forward, what next steps are you taking?
I will continue working for BIROP until the end of 2024. After completing my military service at the beginning of 2025, I plan to either work, travel, or begin further studies.
Photo: Pius’ final project – designing a Printed Circuit Board for resistor box
Benjamin Geisser, who mentored Pius during his apprenticeship, is an Electrical Engineer at BIROP with a specialization in prototype development. In his role, Benjamin is responsible for supporting Wyss Zurich projects in various crucial areas, including research, product development, and providing expert advice.
“My diverse expertise enables me to thrive in a wide range of development areas, and I'm passionate about engaging in varied fields of innovation”, shares Benjamin.
We took this opportunity to ask Benjamin about his experience as a mentor.
How did the mentorship benefit yourself personally and the platform?
Being a mentor opened more avenues for experimentation with new technologies and tools, fostering an environment of innovation. The mentorship has also allowed me to plan projects for apprentices, which in turn helps me learn new skills and stay up to date. Lastly, a new role was introduced to my professional life, offering additional projects with different skill sets that make my work more varied and enjoyable.
Looking forward, what are your aspirations for incoming apprentices?
My primary aspiration for incoming apprentices is that they develop into valuable professionals for their future employers. I strive to ensure that they acquire the skills they need based on their chosen areas of specialization, and that they become highly competent so that they can easily find a job and have a competitive advantage as they start their careers. Additionally, I aim to provide them with everything necessary to pursue higher education or advanced qualifications if they choose, laying a solid foundation for lifelong learning and growth.
BIROP is led by Stefan Bertschi and currently has a team of 18 personnel. The mission of BIROP is to support and accelerate Wyss Zurich projects in their transfer to market, by providing multidisciplinary expertise and services, covering a range of core competences. Curious to know more about BIROP? Visit our website here.
