BENTELER Training opens its doors
Paderborn, November 11, 2023. Thanks to hands-on training, nearly 2,000 visitors had the opportunity to gain inspiration at BENTELER Training’s open day on Saturday, November 11. The focus was on the trainees themselves, who prepared numerous exercises, competitions and prize draws especially for the day. For example, visitors were able to laser cut a key ring of their own design, weld a cell phone holder and even play tic-tac-toe against a robot.
“For career direction, it’s important that young people gain their own experience. Using the principle of hands-on training, we offered many activities and projects at the open day that people could participate in. This allowed young people to find out which apprenticeship is right for them by trying it out for themselves,” explains Thomas Koch, Head of Training at BENTELER.
Information about the diverse training programs at BENTELER was provided firsthand. Apprentices and trainers answered questions about careers as a mechanics, tool fitters and machinists. In addition, students and parents were able to learn about combined study programs in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, industrial engineering, accounting and finance, or international business and informatics. The professions of industrial clerk, electronics technician, mechatronics technician and IT specialist as well as materials tester and numerous retraining opportunities were also presented.
Thomas Koch explains: “In times of a shortage of skilled workers, it’s essential to develop young people into the skilled workers of tomorrow through qualified training. We are therefore focusing on training and nurturing young talent within our own ranks.”
State-of-the-art technologies are an integral part of our own training
Digitalization and Industry 4.0 technologies have long been part of BENTELER’s training. Every technical apprentice has their own tablet for learning and working. One of the highlights of the open day was artificial intelligence (AI), which was demonstrated by the use of an automatic object recognition robot.
“We incorporate future-oriented topics into our training as early as possible,” said Thomas Koch. “Because to remain successful over the long term, BENTELER needs a strong, efficient workforce with employees who think in an entrepreneurial way, assume individual responsibility, and respond flexibly to changes.”
Visitors were invited to join in many other projects and activities. They could test their strength on a boxing machine or use augmented reality, which involves adding digital elements into the real world, to jump virtually from skyscraper to skyscraper.
BENTELER expands its training capacities
The BENTELER Group has already expanded its own training capacities this year: at the Paderborn site alone, over 60 young people started their training or dual studies in summer, and in East Westphalia Lippe (OWL) it was more than 80 trainees. “Across Germany, a total of 100 young people have started their training at eight German BENTELER locations. For the coming year, we will further increase our training offerings with over 120 training positions in OWL alone and over 150 across Germany,” says Thomas Koch.
