Germany's best training companies - how BPW prepares apprentices for a digital future and the internet of things

• Recognition for BPW as one of the best training companies in Germany
• BPW combines successful innovation strategy with in-house training
• Apprentices benefit from exceptional know-how in transport, IT and mechatronics

Wiehl, 17.4.2018 --- The internet of things is prompting a surge of innovation in business and industry, but how can those who are embarking on a career prepare for the future? A good place to start is to join the training programme of an innovative enterprise such as BPW. As an innovation leader of the transport industry, BPW harnesses its expertise in IT and mechatronics for the benefit of its trainees. It’s a proven pathway to success – BPW was recently recognised again as one of the best training companies in Germany.

BPW Bergische Achsen KG officially ranks among the best training companies in Germany according to an independent survey conducted by Deutschland Test with the academic support of Prof. Werner Sarges. The research was commissioned by the business magazines FOCUS and FOCUS MONEY. The results are based on a poll of Germany’s 20,000 largest companies, measured by the number of employees. An Apprenticeship Atlas for Germany, produced from the data, once again shines the spotlight on Wiehl in North Rhine-Westphalia, where BPW Group has its headquarters.

Alongside its 1,600 employees at HQ, the company is currently training 115 talented young recruits in a variety of disciplines, including IT, business administration and mechatronics. The success rate is high – 99 percent of trainees to date have passed their examinations, and no fewer than 64 percent have achieved very good or even better marks. An impressive 95 percent of trainees have accepted full-time posts with the company.

Apart from the prospect of such success, the forward-looking approach to training adopted by BPW is a strong argument in its favour. As one of the leading players in the transport industry, BPW actively spearheads innovation in the fields of electric vehicles, digitisation and the internet of things. “Our innovation strategy is thoroughly integrated in the apprenticeship programme,” explains Rainer Butting, who is head of training at BPW. “It’s a challenge that certainly keeps our training centre on its toes. We are not only continuously developing the training syllabus, but also constantly reviewing and anticipating the kinds of jobs that will shape our future. Existing occupational profiles are also being redefined at breakneck speed, especially in IT and mechatronics. In our innovation centres for mechatronics, the internet of things and telematics, we are working hard to bring about the interconnected future of transportation. It is not by chance that BPW’s recognition as one of the best training companies coincided with it being named as a role model for Industry 4.0. Our trainees benefit from this expertise and are entrusted with a lot of individual responsibility early in their careers.”

BPW’s offering of training places in combination with study for professional qualifications, and the availability of its own training centre with outstanding facilities for a variety of occupations, were among the highly rated factors when it was being assessed. It also supports trainees who wish to spend time abroad during their apprenticeship. Around five years ago, moreover, BPW initiated a special programme for young people who leave school without the grades required for an immediate transition to training.

Note: More information on BPW as an employer is contained in the company’s current annual reportand sustainability report.