The Skilled Labor Challenge
Many production companies face a shortage of experienced plastic processing equipment staff. This often results in inefficiencies, errors, and increased waste. ENGEL offers solutions to empower its customers to optimize productivity and enhance quality through their certified training programs, advanced digital solutions, and automation systems. The Skilled Labor Challenge.
Shape success: World-class training for injection molding innovators
ENGEL’s comprehensive training courses cover all aspects of equipment operation, preparing molders with the necessary skills and industry-recognized certifications. Customers benefit from training programs tailored to meet specific organizational needs and challenges. More than 70 certified trainers at 22 ENGEL training centers worldwide are helping injection molding processors get up to speed in machine operation, process technology, digitalization, and maintenance. Whether customers are looking to upskill new employees or advance the capabilities of seasoned professionals, the training is designed to address their specific goals.
In addition, ENGEL partners with nearly 20 colleges and universities to train the new generation of professionals. ENGEL offers free, state-of-the-art equipment and hands-on, tailored training programs, creating a pipeline of skilled workers.
Mold future professionals: ENGEL’s apprenticeship program
The fully paid apprentice program is certified and registered within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, recognized federally, and lasts four years with a combination of on-the-job and classroom-based instruction. The Swiss, German, and Austrian Embassies have also applauded the program. Graduates of the program will receive an offer of full-time non-exempt employment at ENGEL, as well as the nationally recognized Journeymen’s certification.
Feedback from those involved in the apprenticeship program has been overwhelmingly positive — citing the family-oriented atmosphere at ENGEL, comprehensive hands-on training, knowing that they are making a difference, and competitive pay and benefits as major reasons for joining the ENGEL team. Trainers and mentors are delighted to share their expertise and years of experience with their new teammates. The extremely high retention rate of apprentices speaks for itself.
The program is now in its 4th round, with 14 apprentices in both Field Service and Automation, with an additional five apprentices being added in September 2024. Apprenticeship programs have been an essential pillar of ENGEL’s workforce development for many years, with currently 240 apprentices in Austria, 72 in China and the Czech Republic each, and 9 in Germany.
Innovate or stagnate: New training center for ENGEL field service techs
By equipping technicians with enhanced troubleshooting skills and expanding service offerings to include preventative and predictive maintenance services, ENGEL aims to provide unparalleled customer support, solidifying its commitment to delivering exceptional service and technical expertise.
The training program spans eight weeks under the guidance of a highly experienced trainer with extensive field expertise. The curriculum covers various topics, including utilizing ENGEL support tools and systems and foundational theoretical concepts like hydraulic system functionality. It also emphasizes practical, hands-on methodologies such as repair and troubleshooting techniques.
Each training session accommodates a maximum of five students, ensuring personalized attention and effective knowledge transfer. Participation in this program is mandatory for all new technicians. Constituting a pivotal component of ENGEL’s broader strategy to bolster its service technician workforce nationwide.
ENGEL care: Elevating maintenance from routine checks to proactive strategies
The lack of skilled labor, especially in maintenance departments, plays a significant role in increasing downtime and reducing productivity. Regular maintenance schedules cannot be performed. This might not be evident in the short term but will lead to massive problems over time.
Support in the maintenance of injection molding machines and linear robots with a variety of maintenance packages. These packages leverage the expertise of ENGEL service engineers, empowering processors to optimize machine uptime and reduce maintenance expenses.
The care packages differentiate in terms of the maintenance scope. All are precisely tailored to the needs of the respective plant. The overall goal is to boost machine availability and avoid unscheduled machine downtime. Irregularities are detected early and can be eliminated on a scheduled date, reducing maintenance costs and improving productivity. When maintenance measures are carried out regularly, safe working conditions for production staff can be guaranteed.
Digitalization of molding: Precision and efficiency at your fingertips
Source: The Skilled Labor Challenge
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