The training workshop at MAFI Transport-Systeme in Tauberbischofsheim.

– Training and further education center for our own junior staff
– Training for the skilled workers of the future is being stepped up
– Complex vehicles and global business contacts attract

The training workshop at MAFI Transport-Systeme in Tauberbischofsheim (Baden-Württem-berg) has been completely renovated. This is where the apprentices are trained in the basics of their profession, but also prepared for the exams at vocational schools. With eight train-ees, the manufacturer of heavy-duty vehicles has recorded a record number of new recruits this year. MAFI Transport-Systeme is currently training apprentices in five professions. The majority are mechatronics engineers and industrial mechanics. New this year are industrial electricians and technical product designers. There are also industrial clerks in the admin-istration and sales departments. 250 square meters are available for the training workshop on the Tauberbischofsheim site, where around 400 employees work.

The entire company manufactures hundreds of MAFI and TREPEL heavy-duty vehicles for seaports and airports every year. The world’s most powerful aircraft tow tractor has just been developed. Weighing just 25 tons, it can tow long-haul aircrafts weighing up to 450 tons.

The skilled workers of the future

For these highly specialized vehicles, the vehicle manufacturer needs enough of its own junior staff who are specifically prepared for the technically demanding tasks. The training workshop plays a central role in this. That is why it has been completely renovated in recent months with a six-figure sum. “We value our apprentices highly and see them as the manag-ers of the future. During their training, they gain a deep insight into all the details of our ve-hicles. Nobody knows our products better than the skilled workers who learn every move from scratch,” emphasizes CEO Roland Hart-wig, who himself began his career in vehicle construction as an apprentice at the lathe.

Fully-fledged workstations for the trainees

The premises have not only been completely renovated and equipped with new furniture, some of which was built by the trainees themselves. The technical equipment has also been expanded, including milling, turning and drilling machines, which are used to teach basic skills. This has resulted in fully-fledged workstations with the appropriate equipment. Restructuring has even created space to purchase a computer-aided machining center for complex workpieces in the near future. This investment is now at the top of the wish list! In addi-tion, digital tools for planning and e-learning are to be purchased in order to further individ-ualize the apprentices’ training. “We aim to provide maximum support for each individual. Because we want well-trained, highly qualified individuals to join our team,” promises CEO Hartwig.

Manageable environment promotes intensive training

With currently 20 apprentices, MAFI Transport-Systeme has reached an all-time high. They want to take on even more apprentices, but the environment will remain manageable and familiar. “The trainers can keep an eye on each individual and support them individually. This provides real added value compared to larger training centers,” the CEO is convinced. After a three-month trial period in production, the new apprentices are trained in the training work-shop for nine months. They then switch to production, where they get to know various sta-tions until they complete their apprenticeship. This gives them an overview of the require-ments and allows them to recognize their personal inclinations. Even in the later years of training, the apprentices remain in contact with the training workshop, where they prepare for their final and intermediate exams, for example.