Unique in Germany: Deutsche Windtechnik, the Bremen Chamber of Commerce and the Friedehorst Vocational Training Centre are launching a training exam for the profession “Qualified Electrician in Industry (IHK)” in English

Deutsche Windtechnik has taken the initiative in creating an advanced training exam for the profession “Qualified Electrician in Industry (IHK)” with the exam language English. It is the first of its kind in Germany. Eight participants from Deutsche Windtechnik's offshore unit will be enrolled in the pilot programme. It will begin on 13 November 2023 in Bremen. The partner for the qualification programme is the Friedehorst Vocational Training Centre, which will be conducting the exam preparation lessons. The final exam will be held by the Chamber of Commerce Bremen - IHK for Bremen and Bremerhaven. The exam, which is the first of its kind to be held in English, will give employees in the offshore wind energy sector, who carry out their daily work in English, an opportunity to receive a verifiable qualification in the specialised field of electrical engineering.

Hanna Dudda, Project Manager at Deutsche Windtechnik, said: "We are very pleased to be able to begin the first course with a great partner, the Bremen Chamber of Commerce, as well as highly motivated participants. This investment not only contributes to the sustainable further qualification of the specialists we already have. We also hope to attract new specialised employees by offering the exam in English. After passing the exam, our employees can then work on turbines as qualified electricians and also lead teams that do electrical work. The employment opportunities for qualified specialists in the wind industry are enormous."

Shaping new paths in qualification together

Michael Zeimet, Managing Director and Head of the Training and Further Education Division at the Bremen Chamber of Commerce, explained the admission requirements: "This further training exam option is primarily intended for people with technical vocational training and two years of professional experience in the field of electrical engineering. However, people without vocational training who can demonstrate the necessary skills and knowledge in the field of electrical engineering can also take the exam. We are delighted to be able to offer this new training programme to companies in Bremen and Bremerhaven as well as to the wind energy sector as a whole, which is particularly important for our region. This training programme enables us to provide employees with qualifications in areas of expertise that will be important for the future, promote employment and open doors for the next generation of skilled workers for their further professional development."

The Friedehorst Vocational Training Centre prepares participants for the exam in approximately eleven weeks, with lessons consisting of theoretical and practical components. Manfred Meyer, Managing Director of the Friedehorst Vocational Training Centre, said: "Participants are very well prepared for the exam, thanks to our training programme, which is tailored to the needs of Deutsche Windtechnik, the in-depth expertise of our teaching staff and the modern technical equipment. We are delighted to be part of this pioneering pilot project together with a partner that is as well recognised as Deutsche Windtechnik."

The costs of preparing Deutsche Windtechnik's employees for the exam are carried almost entirely by the company. In addition, accommodation will be provided, and work and class will be well coordinated. However, the exam provided by the Bremen Chamber of Commerce is also open to other interested persons with suitable prior qualifications. If the pilot programme is successful, the plan is to offer the exam once a year.

Further background information: Video: When the course begins on Monday, 13 November 2023 at 12:15 pm, we will publish the three-minute video "Qualified Electrician – What is that?" with further details about the people involved and the content of the further training exam. The link to the video: youtu.be/EZdvlmoAp6s Interview with a participant: Sergej Nuss is an offshore service technician at Deutsche Windtechnik and one of the first participants in the further training exam. In this short interview, Sergej explains why he decided to take the exam and why English is a particular advantage in the offshore industry. The link to the interview: www.deutschewindtechnik.com/en/news/details/further-training-exam-for-qualified-electricians-begins-3-questions-for-participant-sergej-nuss/

About Deutsche Windtechnik AG

Bremen-based Deutsche Windtechnik AG offers a single-source full technical maintenance package for wind turbines in Europe, the USA and Taiwan. The company operates both onshore and offshore. More than 2,000 employees provide service for over 8,200 wind turbines worldwide under permanent maintenance contracts (basic and full maintenance). The company's system engineering focuses on Vestas, Siemens, Nordex, Senvion, Fuhrländer, Gamesa, Enercon and GE turbines.  

About the Friedehorst Foundation

The Friedehorst Diaconal Foundation is a recognised charitable provider of social facilities and, as a modern service centre, it is an important part of the regional health and social economy. Through its various subsidiaries, it provides professionally qualified and specialised services for outpatient and inpatient care, support, education and vocational reorientation. This includes the Friedehorst Vocational Training Centre, which is a competence centre for promoting participation in working life and vocational training in the North-West of Germany. The Vocational Training Centre is a reliable partner for employment agencies, pension funds and accident insurance companies as well as companies that it supports with customised services in the area of internal further education and training for their employees. 

Deutsche Windtechnik AG Stephanitorsbollwerk 1, 28217 Bremen Telefon +49 421 691 05-0, Telefax +49 421 691 05-499 info@deutsche-windtechnik.com deutsche-windtechnik.com