Bosch Coordinating Free Advanced Training Ranges for the Automobile Industry

Current Vehicle Technology Knowledge for Training

Comprehensive Series of Seminars for Vocational Training Instructors

· Around 760 advanced training places on over 60 seminars in 2010

· Over 11,000 participants trained in Germany since 1986

· Bosch inspection techniques for practical training in vocational training schools

The development cycles in vehicle technology have accelerated rapidly in recent years. Above all, the increasing number of electronic components in modern vehicles has brought about changes in automobile production, thereby changing the demands on vehicle workshops. These days, the primary task facing vehicle mechatronics engineers is to deal with testing and diagnostics technology, sensors, electronic actuators and on-board computers safely and efficiently. By contrast, purely mechanical tasks have been pushed into the background in the workshop environment.

To ensure that the training in vehicle technology vocational schools can keep pace with modern developments, the German automobile industry has been providing free advanced training seminars for vocational training instructors for more than 20 years. Bosch coordinates the content and scope of the comprehensive range of seminars offered by German vehicle manufacturers, importers and some suppliers. In 2010, around 760 vocational training instructors will be given the opportunity to take part in one of over 60 advanced training seminars.

Over 11,000 participants trained in 23 years
The coordinated program for vocational training instructors was established in 1986. Initiated by Bosch, other suppliers and the German vehicle manufacturers, vehicle importers have also been participating in the program since 2003. In order to reach the largest number of vocational training instructors, a key communicator system has been developed. The culture ministries of the German states nominate the vocational training instructors who will participate in the special advanced training seminars for the industry as key communicators. In this way, more than 11,000 vocational training instructors have been trained in Germany since 1986. Equipped with the seminar documentation and trainer’s guidelines, these key communicators are in a position to pass on the knowledge they have gained to their colleagues in the vocational training schools. As the key communicators reach an average of seven vocational training instructors, around 77,000 instructors in the vocational training schools across Germany have benefited from the program.

Many vocational training schools use Bosch inspection techniques in their training
The vehicle technology vocational training schools can thus provide trainees with the up-to-date knowledge they need for practical work in the course of their training and later in their professional lives. Bosch also supports the schools with an extensive range of Bosch test equipment. Vehicle diagnostics, test sequences and the handling of modern vehicle electronics can therefore also be carried out practically in the vocational training schools. More than 90% of the vehicle technology vocational training schools are already equipped with Bosch test equipment and the Esitronic workshop software package.

In Germany, all German automobile manufacturers, the BMW motorcycle division, the commercial vehicle manufacturer Evo-Bus, Iveco, MAN and Mercedes, as well as the importers Honda, Mazda, Nissan, Peugeot, Renault and Toyota are participating in the advanced training for vocational training instructors. In addition to Bosch as coordinator, the suppliers Continental Teves, Kolbenschmidt/Pieburg, Webasto and ZF are contributing to the extensive range by providing seminar content. Since 2007, the successful concept has also been implemented in the Czech Republic and Spain, and is currently being rolled out in Chile.

The Bosch Group is a leading global supplier of technology and services. According to preliminary figures, some 270,000 associates generated sales of roughly 38 billion euros in the areas of automotive and industrial technology, consumer goods, and building technology in fiscal 2009. The Bosch Group comprises Robert Bosch GmbH and its more than 300 subsidiaries and regional companies in over 60 countries. If its sales and service partners are included, then Bosch is represented in roughly 150 countries. This worldwide development, manufacturing, and sales network is the foundation for further growth. Each year, Bosch spends more than 3.5 billion euros for research and development, and applies for over 3,000 patents worldwide. With all its products and services, Bosch enhances the quality of life by providing solutions which are both innovative and beneficial.

The company was set up in Stuttgart in 1886 by Robert Bosch (1861-1942) as “Workshop for Precision Mechanics and Electrical Engineering.” The special ownership structure of Robert Bosch GmbH guarantees the entrepreneurial freedom of the Bosch Group, making it possible for the company to plan over the long term and to undertake significant up-front investments in the safeguarding of its future. Ninety-two percent of the share capital of Robert Bosch GmbH is held by Robert Bosch Stiftung GmbH, a charitable foundation. The majority of voting rights are held by Robert Bosch Industrietreuhand KG, an industrial trust. The entrepreneurial ownership functions are carried out by the trust. The remaining shares are held by the Bosch family and by Robert Bosch GmbH.

Additional information can be accessed at www.bosch.com.