Exporting the successful German education model to China

The first cohort of young people commenced their training in mechatronics at the Group’s production center in Suzhou at the end of October last year. And by 2027, the company hopes to have an annual intake of 12 to 15 trainees.

The program is a joint initiative between Endress+Hauser and the Suzhou Chien-Shiung Institute of Technology in Taicang. Alongside this, the company plans to set up a 500-square-meter training workshop in Suzhou, the home of its measurement technology production center for the Chinese market.

"The launch of this program in China is a milestone in our mission to roll out dual education structures globally across the company and develop them further," explains Jens Kröger, head of the Endress+Hauser Group's department for global dual education.

The company has been offering similar programs in partnership with the German Chambers of Commerce Abroad at its production centers in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (India) and Greenwood (Indiana, USA) for several years. Just as in China, these programs focus on mechatronics – a discipline that combines mechanical and electrical engineering with computer science.

"Our trainees receive comprehensive foundational training that opens up a wealth of career opportunities for them in areas like production, service and quality management," says Kröger.

Successful expansion of the program

The dual model has been a fixture of Central Europe's education landscape for decades. "Our corresponding initiatives in India and the USA have been so successful, we’re ready to take them to the next level," reports Jens Kröger. Hence, in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar,

Endress+Hauser will be adding a three-year program to the mix in 2027, complementing its existing oneyear offering. And in Greenwood, the company aims to grow its dual trainee numbers and develop an exchange program with Europe.

Investing in young people and offering them a good future is simply the right thing to do. Our objective is also to counter the skills shortage and inspire young people to pursue STEM careers.

Jens Kröger, head of global dual education, Endress+Hauser