From Bremerhaven via Halle to Lübeck: A practical new beginning
Olivia Golms, originally from Bremerhaven, dared to make a new start in Lübeck after studying theoretical physics in Halle. In principle, I already know the whole of Germany because I tried out many courses before my training
says the 27-year-old. Olivia Golms started in the humanities, then at some point it became clear to her that the way she worked didn’t suit her.
The search for practical training led her to northern Germany, where an advertisement from the TH Lübeck immediately caught her eye. It was important to me to learn in a public institution and to have many opportunities to try things out. I was particularly impressed by the opportunity to work independently and not just process orders
says Golms.
Top performance with a role model function
Olivia Golms always had one big goal in mind: increasing the proportion of women in the best awards Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IHK) to increase. On the way there, she enjoyed the practical work in the laboratory the most. This was also reflected in the grades. With an impressive 93 points in the final exam and 98 and 99 points in the practical exams, she became the best in the IHK Lübeck catchment area in 2025. She was particularly enthusiastic about independently producing preparations and working in organic chemistry.
Training with team spirit
Olivia praises the training at the TH Lübeck: The expectations have been more than fulfilled. We receive really great training and can always ask questions – from the trainers or from other trainees from higher years of training
says Golms. She particularly enjoyed working independently, adjusting quantities and evaluating results in the laboratory.
Olivia Golms’ trainer, Meike Mohr-Pape, knows how the trainees differ from other companies: Few training companies have such a large fleet of analytical equipment as we do.
This would give the trainees a particularly broad insight into the work of a chemical laboratory technician.
Swirl coffee like in a pharmacy lab
It is in our DNA that we not only produce good students, but also provide excellent training for our trainees
says the dean of the department Applied Natural SciencesProfessor Manfred Rößle. He can tell you from his own experience how it can be done differently. During my laboratory technician training in a pharmacy laboratory, I became a professional at how to titrate magnesium.
A standard solution is added dropwise to a sample solution in a flask and the flask is then swirled. I still swirl my coffee like this today
says Rößle.
Next step: starting a career at Eurofins
After her successful completion, Olivia is now starting at Eurofins in Hamburg in the central rehearsal entrance. What particularly appeals to her is the interface between administrative tasks and laboratory practice. Even during my training, I enjoyed working on the computer and evaluating samples
she reports.
How does training to become a chemical laboratory technician work?
The chemical laboratory technician training lasts three and a half years. Some trainees take advantage of the opportunity to shorten the time and, depending on their grades, graduate after just three years. During their training, prospective chemical laboratory assistants learn, for example, how to analyze inorganic and organic substances for their composition, plan experimental procedures, set up the necessary equipment, produce preparations, and use computers to control equipment, record, process and forward data. After training, chemical laboratory assistants work in research, development and production laboratories in industry and universities, in medical analysis, in environmental protection or in materials testing and investigation offices.
Training at the TH Lübeck
Questions about training? Find out here.
Or establish personal contact directly!