The Neustadt site of the international automotive supplier Motherson, also known as SMP Deutschland GmbH, has been awarded the title of "Premium Partner Education" by the SKZ for the first time this year. "Companies that are eligible for this award promote continuing education in a sustainable manner, develop individually adapted and innovative forms of learning with the SKZ, and thus decisively advance the plastics industry through professional education," explains Matthias Ruff, authorized signatory and sales manager for education and research at the SKZ in Würzburg. The award is always given for the previous year. "In 2023, Motherson’s Neustadt site and the SKZ jointly trained various career changers and specialists in the plastics industry and set sustainable accents for the cooperation in 2024," says Jasmin Riethmeier, Head of Human Resources at Motherson in Neustadt.

Easing the burden on plastics technologists
This year, Motherson and SKZ are once again relying on proven learning formats, including classroom training. "The needs of the industry are constantly changing. Together with our partners, we have been able to adapt the production-related training courses accordingly," says Robert Held, group leader for training in injection molding and additive manufacturing at SKZ. The finer gradation of the skilled worker qualification was achieved, for example, through the new "Set-up Technician" course. This gives companies the opportunity to train proven helpers to relieve the pressure on plastics technologists. These are in short supply in many companies. During the course, employees learn how to properly handle expensive production equipment, set up molds and restart series processes after production interruptions.

Further qualification as a "certified installer"
"As a first step, we expect this to significantly reduce the workload for more highly qualified skilled workers. In a second step, after a probationary period with the company, the employee can be offered the opportunity to further qualify as a ‚certified installer‘. In addition to the technical benefits, this is also an excellent measure for employee retention," continues Robert Held.

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