Well trained skilled workers form the backbone of industry and the skilled crafts. This applies to Germany as well as to every other industrialised country. But how does training take place in other countries? A group of trainees and trainers from Rottweil found out more in China.
The group came from the international group of companies Kern-Liebers, who specialise in metalworking. Michael Heinzmann, a specialist subject teacher at the vocational school in Schramberg, was part of the travel group. During the trip, the school provided information in the form of a press release.
At the invitation of Kern-Liebers China, the group visited the subsidiary in Taicang, in the greater Shanghai area. This is where the German Training Centre for Tool Mechanics (DAWT) is based, co-founded by Kern-Liebers.
Work pieces and assemblies were produced together with Chinese trainees, and specialists were observed at work in tool manufacturing and maintenance.
Other training centres and companies as well as schools were also visited in Taicang in order to generate synergy effects. During the two-week business trip, the participants engaged in discussions with Chinese trainers, pupils, and teachers as well as with German managers working in China. They gained a wide range of impressions and experiences.
One thing that became apparent was that little is known of dual training - integration of vocational school and company - in China. However, companies based in China need well trained skilled workers, too. This is all the more important because China, just like Germany, is having to cope with demographic change.
However, when it comes to training the skilled workers of the future, the Chinese economy is predominantly looking towards full-time, school-based training funded solely by the state.
In this case, superbly equipped school-based workshops are intended to replace the company. The German Training Centre for Tool Mechanics (DAWT) which is run jointly by Kern Liebers, the business organisation TEDA, the company Mubea, and Jiangsu Taicang Secondary Vocational School is pioneering training in line with the German model.
Tool mechanics have been trained here since 2001 under the dual model. However, the aim for the future is also to train industrial mechanics as well as machine and plant operators.
"For our trainees, this interesting and informative trip was an important experience," summed up Andreas Bitzer, the overall head of training. New views and perspectives have prepared the trainees for a globalised world environment. In addition to each individual, the company also stands to benefit from this.