BeAT – Professional Development and Training Center»The transformation of the automotive (supply) industry: Regional perspectives on new challenges for work (processes) and qualification.«
Everyone has heard of transformation and may even be experiencing it in their own company right now. In addition to the increasingly acute shortage of skilled workers, resource bottlenecks and rapidly rising energy costs have recently joined the list of current crises. We are all affected by them, albeit to varying degrees. But we can share our knowledge to emerge from the transformation together, stronger and more successful.
As part of the BeaT project, we want to help identify the new skill requirements that are emerging during the transformation and work with companies and employees to develop models for modern continuing education programs.
For our first workshop, which took place on September 14, 2022, in Jena, we wanted to look beyond Thuringia and learn about the problems and solutions in other federal states, as well as share our knowledge. We had the opportunity to talk to some great guests about the transformation in Franconia, East Westphalia-Lippe, and Saarland. It became very clear that a willingness to shape the future and innovative solutions are needed if the transformation is to be successfully managed. One focus must also be on ensuring that the potential of the workforce is not neglected, so that the solution strategies are inclusive in nature and do not fail in reality as top-down solutions.
In order to take people on a bus, you usually have to tell them where the journey is going. Few would get on board if the destination was unknown. A lot of persuasion is therefore required to get everyone on board. This metaphor can easily be applied to a company undergoing transformation. Perhaps a new product is already available, perhaps it is still in development, or perhaps the company wants to open itself up to new technologies for the first time. Neglecting the needs and fears of employees would be fatal, because then the bus might leave with only the driver on board.
So-called »change conventions« are a tool that has already been used very successfully for this purpose. The concept developed by VW Zwickau uses an event-based format and many playful elements to break down the distance to future technologies. This direct contact can also alleviate fears and even generate enthusiasm.
However, just because you have managed to set off as a united team does not mean that you will necessarily reach your destination. But you have laid the foundations for overcoming any problems that may arise. The workshop made it very clear that there is still a lot of work to be done to ensure that we all reach our destination safely. We therefore look forward to welcoming you to future events where this will be the focus.
