Munich/Debrecen. The BMW Group is paving the way for
introduction of dual vocational training at its new plant under
construction in Debrecen, Hungary from September 2021. A cooperation
agreement to this effect was signed with the Debrecen Vocational
Training Centre (DSZC) on 18 July. The BMW Group will work with these
partners to implement the German dual vocational training concept in
Hungary. This will ensure that apprentices are optimally prepared for
future occupations in innovative learning environments, with high
quality standards and flexible structures. In autumn 2019, the first
intake will embark on five years of vocational training: two at school
and three in the dual system, with learning in the classroom and on
the job at the BMW Group.
“We believe that combining theory and practice is vital in employee
training. I’m especially pleased we will be able to offer young people
at our new location in Hungary dual vocational training and help them
make the ideal start to their career,” underlined Michele Melchiorre,
the designated head of the Debrecen plant. The BMW Group will offer
four attractive apprenticeships at the new location: electrical and
automation engineering, mechatronics, automotive mechatronics (systems
and high-voltage technology) and information technology for systems integration.
Sabine Wilhelm, head of Professional and Vocational Training and
Transformation Management at the BMW Group, emphasised the benefits of
the concept: “We have introduced dual vocational training based on the
German model at five production locations worldwide since 2012, always
taking local factors into account. In cooperation with the Debrecen
Vocational Training Centre (DSZC), we will now also be able to
implement it in Hungary. We are very happy to be able to provide our
future apprentices with the ideal preparation they need for their
future occupations, in innovative learning environments with high
quality standards and flexible structures.”
The partner schools have already been chosen: In the DSZC Brassai
Sámuel Műszaki Szakgimnáziuma and the DSZC Mechwart András Gépipari és
Informatikai Szakgimnáziuma, the BMW Group has found two highly
qualified local partners based in Debrecen to cover the theoretical
side of training. Together with these two schools, the BMW Group will
now develop a detailed concept for implementation of the dual
vocational training programme.
Participating apprentices will spend the first two years of the
five-year programme at one of the two schools, where they will learn
the basic practical skills and theory needed for their chosen
occupation. From the third year on, attention will increasingly turn
to practical application of this knowledge. Apprentices in the
programme will gain on-the-job experience at the BMW Group in
Debrecen. In addition to professional qualifications, the BMW Group
will also focus on apprentices’ personal development throughout the training.
The first intake of apprentices will embark on their training at the
partner schools in the autumn of 2019. Pupils will be able to apply
for an apprenticeship in spring 2021 and begin their dual vocational
training at the BMW Group in September 2021.