Hands on training 19 Jul 2018

When it comes to training for careers in underground construction, practical hands on experience is proven to be safer and more effective than simulator training. In Germany, potential apprentices recently enjoyed a day of practical experiences to get a taste of what life as a Herrenknecht apprentice would be like, and in India, a new training centre at GHH Vehicles offers the opportunity to learn on the actual vehicles themselves in a special outdoor training section of the new centre.

Diverse apprenticeship opportunities presented

The third information day on vocational training was held by Herrenknecht at its training workshop in Schwanau, Germany.

Together with their parents, around 300 boys and girls took the opportunity to look behind the scenes and learn about the diverse training opportunities on offer in a practical hands-on setting.

Different apprenticeship occupations in the industrial, technical and commercial sectors were offered as well as options for joining the company while studying. The visitors were able to experience the respective vocation up close and have a go themselves; manufacturing a rose out of metal, answering exciting questions in an IT quiz, having a go at designing a technical drawing or applying a soldering iron – the youngsters were delighted with the various options.

The participants also used the opportunity to get first-hand information from the approximately 50 Herrenknecht current apprentices about their experiences at the company, and the teaching team was available for questions. Even founder Martin Herrenknecht came to meet and encourage the students.

"During the information day we enable potential junior employees to get a glimpse of the world of work and get to know our company," said Klaus Himmelsbach, Herrenknecht Training Manager. "We are always on the lookout for good technical personnel and often employ our apprentices after their vocational training."

Supporting up to 180 apprenticeships, Herrenknecht is one of the largest vocational training companies in the region. Apprentices are regularly honoured with prizes at vocational college and university graduation ceremonies.

Another German company, GHH Vehicles, part of the Schmidt Kranz Group has recently opened a new vehicle operating training centre in Mochia, Udaipur, India.

Dr Jan Petzold opens training centre in India

The centre includes offices, training rooms, a warehouse and an outdoor training area where operators are taught to use actual vehicles stationed at the centre.

“Learning with actual equipment is more effective than on a simulator,” said Dr Jan Petzold, Managing Director of GHH in Germany. This concept has already successfully been implemented in Zimbabwe where there has been a training centre for the region for many years.

“Efficient vehicles plus in-depth user know-how are the key to productivity,” said Petzold. Students that pass the final exam leave with a diploma.

The site in the north west of India is well placed for staff and equipment to enter growing markets in nearby Nepal, Bangladesh and Bhutan.

GHH develops and manufactures special vehicles such as loaders, dumpers, mixers and drills. The machines are also used for civil underground construction. GHH currently employs 80 staff, set to rise to 120 before the end of the year.