Neunburg vorm Wald. Training is one of the most important elements of securing the skilled workforce of the future. And future technologies preserve and create jobs. On Wednesday, 13 March 2019, Ralf Holtzwart, Chairman of the Management Board of the Bavarian Regional Directorate of the Federal Employment Agency, and Markus Nitsch, Chairman of the Management Board of the Schwandorf Employment Agency, got a first-hand impression of the professional path young people can take in order to work in the high-tech sector.
On the occasion of the training week, they were welcomed by Managing Director Hans Fleischmann at the F.EE Group's headquarters in Neunburg vorm Wald in the Schwandorf district.
Among other things, Ralf Holtzwart addressed the significance of modern technologies for the labour market: "Often, fears are voiced that digitisation will cost jobs. F.EE is an excellent example that modern technologies, on the contrary, secure and create jobs. To be able to fill these jobs, we need training that prepares young people for the specific demands of the company. I appeal to all young people: Get in touch with the companies, arrange internships, and get to know everyday working life! There are numerous interesting training occupations - more than many think. My wish is that in future more girls will say 'A technical profession - yes, that fits'. We support several orientation measures that bring young women into contact with technical professions, such as the Girls' Day Academy."
Hans Fleischmann did not miss the opportunity to guide the guests through his company himself. They were able to see how modern industrial robots are programmed, automation systems are designed and manufactured and which complex technology is contained in the machines.
Ralf Holtzwart and Markus Nitsch were particularly impressed by the company's employee development. Since its foundation in 1982, F.EE has grown from three to more than 1000 employees. F.EE invests a lot of time and energy in training to ensure that there will be enough qualified specialists available in the future.
Around 100 young people are currently being trained in the Group. The program of the tour therefore included a visit to the company's own training workshop in the field of mechanical engineering. After all, anyone who wants to work on modern industrial 4.0 systems at F.EE must first master the basics of their trade. What this looks like in practice was reported by two trainees from the fields of electrical engineering and mechanics together with their training managers.
"Here at F.EE we are currently noticing very clearly that our consistent attitude of offering outstanding training in every year pays off for the company in the long term. Since 1988, we have been continuously offering the next generation excellent career opportunities through training: In currently up to eight training occupations (three of which are non-industrial) and in three innovative, technically oriented dual courses of study – all in an environment full of exciting future technologies. Our training and study graduates therefore have the best chances not only of proving themselves in the world of industry 4.0 and digital production, but also of being at the cutting edge of technology," says Hans Fleischmann.
The Schwandorf agency manager Markus Nitsch emphasizes that young people are not left alone with their questions during the transition from school to working life: "With a good education, young people have great chances on the job market also in the future. But not each young person is safe at the end of the school time, which vocational way it would like to go. I encouraged therefore each pupil to announce itself with the agency for work and to arrange a consulting date. In the informal discussion own interests and abilities can be discussed and possible ways pointed out. The one who is informed and advised can make a better decision for himself".