Daimler celebrates 10 Years of Vocational Training in China

The tenth anniversary of Daimler's vocational training in China was celebrated at the Beijing Polytechnic School with the participation of teachers and students, as well as representatives from the Chinese Ministry of Education. Since 2006, around 4,000 young people have enrolled in vocational training at Daimler in China.

"With our vocational training and localization efforts, we underline our social responsibility and dedication to contribute to the development of Chinese automotive industry," said Hubertus Troska, Member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG, responsible for Greater China.

In 2006, Daimler started its vocational training project in China. The project has developed rapidly over the past decade, from the initial stage of only two programs with around 50 students to the current cooperation with 22 vocational schools across the country. Almost 100 teachers have been cultivated for Chinese vocational training during this process. The program's major advantage is that the training is combined with practical experience.

At present, Daimler Greater China offers seven vocational training disciplines for young talents in production, logistics and after sales. Just like in Germany, the vocational training in China takes three years. In the first year of training, theoretical knowledge is taught in both Chinese and English. During their last semester, apprentices spend their time at Daimler joint venture production plants or the after-sales departments of Mercedes-Benz dealer partners, where they prepare for the practical challenges of their future jobs.

Daimler is also actively engaged in a Sino-German initiative aimed at securing and further developing training standards in China. Daimler participates in the "Sino-German Automotive Vocational Education" (SGAVE) initiative, which resulted from the cooperation between German automotive manufacturers, the Chinese Ministry of Education and the German Society for International Cooperation (GIZ). The aim of the initiative is to establish a standardized system of training for mechatronics technicians.

Daimler has been providing on-the-job training to young people for more than 100 years. Around 6,300 young people across all graduating classes are currently receiving vocational training at Daimler. In Germany alone, young people can complete an apprenticeship at 50 locations. The most popular training occupations are mechatronics technician in the technical area and industrial clerk in the commercial area.

With increased internationalization and the growing need for highly-qualified staff at foreign production locations, Daimler meanwhile provides training for young employees based on the dual system not only in China, but also in the United States and India. In doing so, the cultural and educational situation in the respective country is always taken into consideration, and Daimler closely cooperates with local educational authorities and institutions.