KGCCI and Ajou Motor College Sign Agreement for Ausbildung Program

(Seoul, December 1, 2023) The Korean-German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KGCCI, President & CEO Martin Henkelmann) announced the signing of a collaboration agreement with Ajou Motor College to facilitate training in the emerging field of Service Advisors.

The 'Ausbildung' program, introduced by KGCCI in Korea, combines practical industry training (70%) with theoretical education (30%), leading to a 36-month course completion resulting in a professional bachelor's degree and certification from the German Chambers of Commerce and Industry.

Ajou Motor College, the fifth educational institute to participate in the 'Ausbildung' program, will offer a Service Advisor course starting in 2024. This program aims to train experts who can explain and guide customers about automobiles based on in-depth automotive knowledge, enhancing consumers' safe and convenient use of vehicles.

Dr. Martin Henkelmann, President of the KGCCI highlighted the crucial role of Service Advisors in the rapidly advancing automotive field, emphasizing the importance of soft skills alongside technical expertise. The collaboration between KGCCI and Ajou University sets a foundation for sustaining and advancing the 'Ausbildung' program.

Ajou Motor College President, Lee Soo-hoon, expressed delight in being selected as a collaborating college, pledging active support for Service Advisor workforce development through close cooperation with KGCCI.

KGCCI introduced the 'Ausbildung' program in Korea in 2017, in collaboration with German automotive companies such as Mercedes-Benz Korea and BMW Group Korea. The program has since expanded, with Daimler Truck Korea, MAN Truck & Bus Korea, Volkswagen Group Korea, and Porsche Korea joining in subsequent years. Currently encompassing four professions—general car maintenance, sheet metal, painting, and service advisors—the program has seen 127 successful graduates. Presently, around 470 trainees and 280 trainers are actively participating in the program.