Junior Engineer Academy trains next generation

Pupils can become familiar with the engineering profession in training sessions, workshops and with a practical look at day-to-day work. The Ziehenschule Junior Engineer Academy provides such experiences to youth who are interested in the natural sciences. Continental's Chassis & Safety division is a cooperation partner of this project, which also includes the Stiftung Polytechnische Gesellschaft as well as Frankfurt's University of Applied Sciences.

Continental assigns a high priority to the fostering of young persons – also in order to deal with the shortage of specialists in technical professions. For four half-year periods, the pupils participate in the academy three hours each week. The focus is on robotics, sensor systems, alternative and regenerative energy types and the construction of an automated vehicle. The pupils learn at three different levels - in the school, the university of applied sciences, and the partner companies.

Participants first got a look into Continental's plant in Frankfurt. Then they gathered some practical experience in the apprentice workshop. Highlights were two excursions to the test track, where they learned about the principles of ABS and ESC in test drives. The pupils were also eager to be in on the action when it came to evaluating the measurements in the motorbike ABS department. In the Electronic Control Unit development department, the juniors got to know various components of a control unit and found out how such units are put together.

"With our activities in this project, we want to awaken interest in our company and our training-based occupations – while at the same time arousing enthusiasm amongst pupils for natural sciences and technology. The theoretical background that they bring along helps, along with the practical commitment of the support staff in our departments," explains Marian Birke, head of training and programs for the next generation at the Continental plant in Frankfurt.