Embracing the latest training technologies – including augmented reality – SEW-EURODRIVE invests in the skills of its staff and customers as a key element in building partnerships to serve the market. Training manager Zander Claassens highlights that skills development is an important value-add for customers who choose to use SEW-EURODRIVE’s leading edge equipment.
With the training equipment at the DriveAcademy, trainees can learn exactly how the products work.
Committed to providing strong technical skills support for its range of products, SEW-EURODRIVE has offered the training services of its DriveAcademy® for a decade already. Moving to its new, expanded headquarters at Aeroton in Gauteng, the company has taken its learning facilities to the next level.
Claassens says, “Developing skills in our own workforce and for customers has always been a high priority for SEW-EURODRIVE. The performance and reliability of our products is directly enhanced when all parties understand the technical details and select the right product for the application. This is a cornerstone of our successful business growth.”
Through the past 18 months, the company has invested in upgrading the resources at its DriveAcademy®. These include state-of-the-art media rooms in the training wing, and the introduction of advanced didactic products and next-generation training equipment.
Innovation is central in SEW-EURODRIVE’s approach to its products and solutions technologies, and similarly so in skills development. “Keeping up with new training methods and being adaptable are key to staying ahead with the continuous waves of change,” Claassens says.
“We constantly update our training material – and upgrade our own skills as trainers – adopting new ways of presenting,” he adds. “We attend international conferences in person or virtually, to discuss these innovations and share information.”
He highlights that the DriveAcademy® in South Africa is one of the first to adopt and implement augmented reality, with an eye on Industry 4.0. It enables trainees to learn through holograms and holographic overlays.
“This a highly effective method of training and something that few people have been exposed to, so it generates considerable interest and excitement among trainees,” he says. “Where trainees are involved in such memorable experiences, the retention of information tends to be higher.”
SEW-EURODRIVE uses its DriveAcademy® to share and reinforce the understanding of the solutions it offers. Over recent years, trainees have come from various sectors, including the automotive, mining, refining and steel industries.
“We provide bespoke training for customers based on the products they use, as well as standard product training courses with an introductory overview in drive engineering,” Claassens explains. “As with our staff, we know that each role in a business has different requirements, so we tailor the training to suit the need.”
He notes that within the global SEW-EURODRIVE family, there are 85 drive technology centres with training departments spread across 54 countries. He emphasises that there is a strong commitment to sharing knowledge to support the global SEW-EURODRIVE brand. Ensuring high quality training, all the Drive Academies comply with the SEW-EURODRIVE international corporate standard.
“Due to the technical nature of our product portfolio, all the training we offer is concluded with theoretical and practical tests, and competency is only confirmed when certain targets are met,” Claassens says. “Through the training process and the tests, our staff, agents and customers gain a better comprehension of their chosen topics.”
For more information visit: www.sew-eurodrive.co.za
