Qualified and motivated employees in challenging times

Graduates of the further training "Certified Specialist for Plastic Injection Molding according to the Qualification Standard of GKV/TecPart" after passing the exam at KUZ.

Now it is accomplished – happily and with pride, the participants of the BMW Group received their certificates for successfully completing the training program for "Certified Specialist for Plastic Injection Molding" according to the qualification standard of GKV/TecPart.

This part-time training was conducted for the fourth time at the Kunststoff-Zentrum in Leipzig gGmbH (KUZ) in four modules, each lasting one week, from May 11 to July 17, 2020. This year, the COVID-19 pandemic posed special challenges for both participants and trainers, which, however, were successfully overcome by adhering to prescribed hygiene measures. The training and examination content are based on the qualification standard of GKV/TecPart e. V. and form the basis for a certificate valid throughout Germany.

Individual qualification at a high level

The part-time training sets high demands on the participants. This year, qualified, active toolmakers from an injection molding company participated in the qualification. Their entry-level for "career changers" was already very high. The expectations for all involved at KUZ were correspondingly high, aiming to meet the close integration of tool technology with injection molding manufacturing. Kathrin Klamt, one of the instructors at KUZ, explains: "Injection molding is highly complex. Efficient, quality-appropriate production depends on many factors. The close integration of material- and process-appropriate design of the components, implementation in the tool, and the use of the optimal technology are indispensable. Training toolmakers, expanding their knowledge regarding process engineering implementation, and thereby promoting internal communication with production is the best investment a company can make to meet the ever-growing demands in the industry faster and better. Problems are recognized earlier, can be eliminated. Reducing change and optimization loops and ensuring high process stability save money and time, benefiting all involved in the company."

Not least, through the dedicated participation of the attendees and positive feedback, KUZ feels strengthened in its efforts to address the shortage of skilled workers and young talent in the technical field with this compact and practical training for career changers.

Training in theory and practice

The training program is designed for employees from companies with injection molding production who do not have a specific plastics qualification. Within this training, the so-called career changers, with vocational training and practical experience in injection molding, are practically qualified. The goal is to equip participants with the necessary tools for their deployment in injection molding manufacturing.

The content of the classroom instruction covers materials, the injection molding process, machine and tool technology, and peripheral equipment. A significant focus is on topics such as injection molding defects, optimization, and systematic tool sampling. In the practical part, which makes up half of the training, the theoretically discussed topics are demonstrated and subsequently practiced. Machine training is an important pillar of the program.

Between the modules, participants consolidate what they have learned in their own companies by working on thematic "homework" assignments. The results are presented in class and discussed with other participants and instructors. Completing these assignments is a prerequisite for the exam. The final exam consists of a theoretical and a practical part, with the results equally contributing to the overall grade.

What’s next

The next course for career changers will take place from March to June 2021 at KUZ in Leipzig.