Almost 90 out of a possible 100 points in the theoretical part and 84 points in the practical part: this is the impressive performance achieved by 30 young Mexicans who began their industrial mechanic and tool mechanic apprenticeships at the dual education center of Schuler’s subsidiary in Puebla/Mexico half a year ago. The concept is clear: German system, German teachers and German machines. Six apprentices are being trained for Schuler, the other 24 for six further German companies Schuler enlisted for the project: Allgaier, Automocion Gestamp, Lagermex, Luk, PWO and ThyssenKrupp.
Stefan Klebert, CEO of Schuler AG, states: “There is no comparable training in technical subjects in Mexico. They simply do not have enough qualified experts. In certain areas we need to give our Mexican staff more training and education.” The new Schuler training center provides vocational skills according to the German system. The course is based on the curriculum for apprenticeships in industrial engineering professions. There are both theoretical and practical phases. Schuler’s training team in Weingarten, Germany, helped their Mexican colleagues with regard to course content. The apprentices finish their three-year course with a certificate from the Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IHK). This is equivalent to the certificate received in Germany.
The partner companies bear the costs for all training provided by Schuler. In addition, they pay both a salary and benefits for their young trainees. “The training center is equipped with drilling, turning, milling and grinding machines, as well as 30 work benches. The technical college element is also held on Schuler’s premises. There is an audio-visual lecture theater and two classrooms,” explains Stefan Antel, General Manager of Schuler in Mexico.
Schuler’s sales and service company in Mexico was founded in 2005. The company employs around 160 people at its main base in Puebla and in the north-eastern town of Saltillo.