In addition to sponsoring next-generation scientists, the German Aerospace Center (DLR) also places emphasis on training for industrial and commercial professions. The Cologne site with its approximately 1200 staff alone currently employs 54 trainees on eight training courses. To allow it to continue offering young people optimal training, DLR will be taking a new training hall with state-of-the-art technical equipment into operation in Cologne on 20th August 2008.
Klaus Hamacher, Vice Chairman of the DLR Executive Board, emphasises: “DLR sees promoting vocational training as an important contribution to societal responsibility towards the younger generation. With the new training centre and its state-of-the-art technical facilities DLR also aims to contribute effectively to combating youth unemployment.”
The training centre has a total floor space of almost 800 square metres, and offers the future industrial mechanics the opportunity to test and enhance their newly acquired skills and knowledge using turning and milling machines, a computer-controlled CNC (Computer Numerical Control) milling and turning machine, and numerous workbenches. DLR provides the basic financing for the training centre at an investment level of approximately one million euros. DLR currently employs 54 trainees in the following training courses:
Approximately 250 trainees in 19 professions are trained by DLR across Germany. DLR trainers maintain close ties with training partners such as vocational schools, universities of vocational education and Chambers of Industry and Commerce, and are additionally involved in various committees and examination boards.
The previous training hall at the German Aerospace Center (DLR) in Cologne-Porz served its purpose for 40 years; now a new one was inaugurated – larger, better designed, with more functionalities and comfort - a full glass wall allows a lot of daylight to enter the high room.
Industrial mechanics and technical draughtspersons learn and work in the 800-square-meter new build; currently there are 32 of them. The refurbishment has enabled the training manager Jörg Hofman to create three additional training positions. It will also be possible to further improve the quality of the training. Training as an industrial mechanic takes up to three and a half years. Of 32 trainees, on average two will be taken on permanently. The others will have no trouble finding work outside DLR.