It can be argued that German maintenance technicians receive more useful educations than our degreed engineers.

In Germany, automation technicians study for nearly four years, with fully half their studies spent in practical, hands-on apprenticeships on the plant floor working on real projects with real engineers. They learn IEC automation programming, electronic and mechanical engineering skills. And the best of the best compete to become ‘mechatronics’ technicians because they know these jobs are in highest demand.

At the Conference at PACK EXPO 2007, “Competing globally: Are we missing das boat” will explore this education gap. Co-authored by technical education proponent John Kowal of ELAU and ELAU’s training manager in Germany, Rainer Beudert, the presentation shows how European firms groom their future employees and why we need to support the upskilling of our own workforce.

Part of the Upgrading Operations track, this session will take place on Wednesday, October 17, from 8:30 am to 9:10 am. PMMI has made it very convenient to purchase individual conference sessions, with an early bird price of $55 prior to September 24 ($75 afterward).

Learn what German apprentices study and how PMMI members are working behind the scenes to bridge the technical skills gap.

Register to attend Conference at PACK EXPO sessions.