The new Bobcat Institute

Bobcat has announced the launch of its new Bobcat Institute, replacing the Training Center at the Doosan Bobcat EMEA Campus in Dobris, Czech Republic.

The Institute has grown and developed the training it provides to the regional Bobcat dealer network over the last 10 years. Located at the heart of the campus, it is surrounded by the Bobcat factory and the Innovation Centre. It consists of a large main building with four training rooms, each capable of holding up to 30 individuals. In addition to the classrooms, the facility also includes offices, four workshops for service training and a total of 15,000 sqm of outdoor area which is devoted to hands-on try-outs of Bobcat machines and for hosting events such as Demo Days.

"The Bobcat Institute enhances Bobcat dealer performance with the right training, support and tools for enhanced customer experience," says Jürgen Gremez, training director. "To achieve this, the Institute has developed a three-step approach, building on our strong training foundations to also focus on the competition's equipment with proactive sales materials, complemented by supporting dealers further with equipment demonstrations and other positive action."

Separately, Jungheinrich is exploring new avenues in its battle against the skills shortage by restructuring the technical training for its German sales organisation. From August 2018, the company will train 26 young men and women to become agricultural and construction machinery mechatronics engineers. Following completion of their apprenticeships, they will become after-sales service engineers for customers throughout Germany.

Roman Martin, vice president, human resources, explains: "Due to our strong growth, it is becoming increasingly important for Jungheinrich to recruit talented young employees. We are looking for young people who are passionate about technology and craftsmanship, while at the same time enjoying interacting with people. Jungheinrich's trucks are technically comparable with those of agricultural and construction machinery manufacturers. This means that this apprenticeship is ideally suited to provide young men and women with the skills to work as after-sales service engineers."

The theoretical content of the course is taught in joint block lessons in Warendorf, North Rhine-Westphalia. At the local vocational college, a separate class will be set up especially for Jungheinrich apprentices in which the trainees will be taught together.

Applications for the next training year are now open. The minimum qualification requirements are an intermediate school-leaving certificate and a good knowledge of maths and physics. "Our new apprentices can look forward to an exciting and varied time with Jungheinrich. Within their three-and-a-half-year apprenticeship, they will receive training in a wide variety of areas, including repairs and maintenance, troubleshooting and fault rectification, inspection, adjusting and connecting plants and systems, as well as the installation of electronic, mechanical, pneumatic and hydraulic components. The trainees will also be offered attractive extended benefits, including guaranteed employment and financing of the Class B driving licence," Martin adds.