The courage to take new paths
Liebherr-Verzahntechnik GmbH is breaking new ground in industrial mechanics training: apprentices can acquire the additional “Electrical engineering industry” qualification during their training. This will enable them to undertake some of the activities previously reserved for certified electricians. Liebherr is thus the first company in Germany to implement this pilot project.
The job description of industrial mechanics covers a wide range of tasks, including working on electrical components. However, the replacement of electrical motors, sensors, or actuators was previously reserved exclusively for certified electricians. To be allowed to carry out such activities, industrial mechanics must acquire an additional electrical engineering qualification.
Introduction to operation of the hydraulic units
Liebherr revises industrial mechanics training program
Liebherr has already integrated some of the basic principles for this into its industrial mechanics training: all apprentices in this area undergo training to become “certified electricians for specified activities.” In 2019, Liebherr went one step further: as part of a pilot project with the Swabian Chamber of Industry and Commerce, the Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training, and the Kempten Vocational School, the company developed a way to integrate the additional qualification “Electrical engineering industry” offered by the Swabian Chamber of Industry and Commerce into its training. It considerably upgrades the industrial mechanics training and enables graduates to undertake far more demanding tasks than the “certified electrician for specified activities” – for example, independent troubleshooting on Liebherr machine tools.
Apprenticeship occupations at Liebherr-Verzahntechnik GmbH
Technical apprenticeships
– Electronics technician for industrial engineering (m/f/d)
– Industrial mechanic (m/f/d)
– Technical product designer (m/f/d)
Commercial apprenticeships
– Industrial Clerk (m/f/d)
– Information technology specialist for system integration (m/f/d)
– Warehouse logistics operator (m/f/d)
First four graduates with additional qualification: Patrick Hörberg, Fabian Zuber, Yannick Sonner and Katja Böckler with HR Manager Bernd Heinzelmann (from left)
The courage to take new paths
In 2022, the first four trainees passed the final examination, the content of which was designed by Liebherr together with the Chamber of Industry and Commerce. In the current training year, six of the eight trainees are taking up the challenge. “They are demonstrating courage and commitment by doing more than ‘just’ the regular training,” praises Walter Ferstl, Training Manager at Liebherr-Verzahntechnik GmbH. “We are thus gaining skilled workers who can think and act in an interdisciplinary manner. This will be increasingly in demand and necessary due to the ever more complex machines and systems. It’s also very pleasing that we can offer the additional qualification during the apprenticeship without compromising the actual industrial mechanics training.”
