The Korea-Germany Chamber of Commerce, in conjunction with the German Embassy in South Korea, hosted a certification ceremony for trainers in the German-style vocational training program ‘Ausbildung.’
On the 11th and 18th of the month, the ceremony took place at the Millennium Hilton Seoul, where 85 automotive maintenance trainers affiliated with German car brands including Mercedes-Benz Korea, Daimler Truck Korea, MAN Truck & Bus Korea, Volkswagen Group Korea, Porsche Korea, and BMW Group Korea received their certificates, along with 13 evaluation committee members who were appointed.
The number of companies implementing Ausbildung has consistently increased, with a total of three trainers’ courses being held this year alone over a span of two weeks. Furthermore, prospective trainers participated in an assessment examination based on the German Vocational Training Act.
Han Jong-Hee, a trainer at the Hanseong Automotive Nonhyeon Service Center of Mercedes-Benz, remarked, “Through the Ausbildung program, I have learned the importance of nurturing colleagues and talents through care, understanding, and coaching. It has provided me with immense learning opportunities.”
Heo Kyun, a trainer at the Porsche Deutsche Auto Changwon Service Center, stated, “Adopting a mindset of becoming a trainee myself, I revisited previous training sessions to study and organize my thoughts. I also contemplated how I can better convey information to the trainees during new training sessions. Moreover, to set an example for the trainees in my work, I have become more mindful of my actions and have even enrolled in evening classes at university to obtain teaching qualifications. “
In this certification ceremony, the 13 members of the Ausbildung evaluation committee were also appointed. They completed two days of training on German assessment standards and related examinations, and will serve as evaluators for future training assessments and trainee examinations.
The German Embassy in South Korea commented, “The certification ceremony represents a remarkable tradition of Ausbildung, and I extend my congratulations to everyone present today. The introduction of Ausbildung in Korea signifies that German car manufacturers place great importance on investing in local talent from a sustainable perspective.”
Martin Henkelmann, the representative of the Korea-Germany Chamber of Commerce, stated, “Ausbildung trainers are playing a pivotal role in shaping the future, and I wish to express my gratitude for the unwavering dedication of all trainers.”
German brands and dealerships are taking the lead in developing skilled talent through Ausbildung in automotive maintenance, painting, and metal working, while also preparing to expand this program into other job categories.
Lee Sang-Jin daedusj@autodiary.kr