(Seoul, November 7, 2023) The Korean-German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KGCCI, President & CEO Martin Henkelmann) jointly held the “2024 Ausbildung Information Session” with BMW Group Korea, MAN Truck & Bus Korea, Mercedes-Benz Korea, Porsche Korea and Volkswagen Group Korea at Duwon College on November 3, 2023.
Ausbildung program is dual vocational training education from Germany, where on the job training and theoretical education from school are carried out simultaneously. The training is a 36-month educational program combining on-the-job training (70%) at work and theory-based education from colleges (30%). Upon completion of the program, trainees receive Ausbildung certificate issued by the German Federal Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DIHK) and KGCCI.
As the first offline event after the COVID-19 pandemic, this recruitment information session drew participation from over 200 high school students, teachers, and parents from vocational high schools nationwide. The KGCCI and collaborating colleges presented details about the recruitment process, Ausbildung programs, and each brand's corporate profile and desired qualities in candidates.
Moreover, the event featured exhibitions from six German automotive brands, and dedicated counseling sessions to address any queries related to preparations for the application process. The uniqueness of German automotive brands and the diverse career development opportunities through Ausbildung attracted significant interest from attendees.
Susanne Woehrle, Senior Executive Director of KGCCI, responsible for the Ausbildung program, expressed hope that "through this information session, many students gain insights into Ausbildung program and the automotive brands." Several students who attended the event shared their thoughts, stating, "After receiving individual counseling and experiencing actual vehicles, my career aspirations have become clearer, and I've decided on the brand I want to apply to."
KGCCI introduced the Ausbildung program in South Korea in collaboration with German automotive companies Mercedes-Benz Korea and BMW Group Korea in 2017. Subsequently, Daimler Truck Korea and MAN Truck & Bus Korea joined in 2018, followed by Volkswagen Group Korea in 2019 and Porsche Korea in 2021. Five Korean colleges are participating in the program in four different Ausbildung professions – general auto maintenance, car body, and painting and service advising. The program has seen an impressive growth that around 470 trainees and 280 trainers are currently involved in the program, operating at 130 service centers. A total of 127 trainees have successfully completed the Ausbildung program.
