BMW and Daimler Truck’s Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation (MFTBC) have joined forces in Japan to train aftersales mechanics to address the sever labour shortage.
The two companies, with the support of the German Chamber of Commerce and Industry, launched the three year “Vocational Training Automotive Mechatronics” programme aimed at young mechanics and new graduates to ensure the availability of skilled mechanics and other technical staff in their aftermarket operations in Japan.
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In Germany, around 1.3 million people participate in the programme every year, according to MFTBC, and it is also available in 48 countries and regions outside of Germany.
The “dual” programme allows participants to acquire skills and learn general techniques while working at a company and provides additional specialised knowledge and general education in classrooms at affiliated institutes. Upon completion of the course, the trainee receives an industry recognised qualification after passing an exam.
MFTBC said the three year programme provides the skills and knowledge a typical MFTBC employee acquires in five years within the company, adding it would help improve the quality of service to customers.
MFTBC chairman Kazuo Matsunaga said in a statement: “To have such a fulfilling learning opportunity must be an irreplaceable experience for young employees who will carry the future of the automotive industry. The environment surrounding logistics is becoming increasingly severe due to issues such as labour shortage and the so called “2024 problem”.
