From this summer, the Solingen Technical Vocational College (TBK) will have its own well-equipped electroplating technical center. In the new building, numerous courses for prospective surface coaters, skilled workers, master craftsmen and technicians will be held in future.
The TBK technician class of 2022 The plans for the new electroplating training facility at the Solingen Technical Vocational College (TBK) have been known since 2018 and approval has been granted. Preparations began in 2019, with the actual conversion phase taking place during the pandemic. This year, the new facilities can be handed over as planned. The time of the pandemic was a particular challenge for pupils and teachers at TBK. Lessons had to be held under special hygienic conditions in outdated premises next to a large construction site. Born out of necessity, digital media was increasingly used, which will be an integral part of the new teaching environment.
The centerpiece - a separate building for the electroplating pilot plant - will be inaugurated this summer and will be expanded to include important electroplating processes such as plastic electroplating, chromium III electrolyte, multiple nickel layers, alloy depositions such as white bronze and brass, zinc/nickel, tin/nickel and tin/zinc.
During planning, attention was paid to both sensible electroplating processes and sufficient distance in order to ensure safety in school electroplating operations. The mechanical pre-treatment was also renewed and expanded and now includes 3 grinding and polishing stands and 12 individual workbenches. The complete renovation with new training rooms and a modern analytical laboratory will be finished by the end of this year.
The theoretical and practical program on offer is very extensive and, in addition to pure surface and electroplating technology, includes occupational safety and environmental protection with the associated environmental and waste water technologies. The new wastewater-free and fully digitalized wastewater plant based on vacuum technology can be integrated into the lessons as illustrative material. In the new laboratories, the analytical and testing techniques learned are put into practice. The traditional subjects are supplemented by materials science, economics and social studies. Today, quality management methods and the digitalization of processes are an integral part of the curriculum.
Prospective electroplaters will learn their trade at these baths in the futureThenew courses for training as a surface coater, specializing in electroplating technology, for industry and trade start every summer. The DGO offers skilled worker and master craftsman courses at this location (information at www.dgo-online.de). Information on technician training, which will be offered again from summer 2023, is available at www.tbk-solingen.de/bildungsgaenge/galvanotechnik and applications are already open.
Surface technology is an important tool for equipping products used in our daily lives and for economic, industrial and technical applications. The service life of products is increased through improved corrosion protection and the surface properties are adjusted for decorative or technical purposes (gloss, roughness, hardness, color, abrasiveness, etc.). Surface treatment also determines the sustainability of a product, e.g. the degree of reproducibility.
The shortage of skilled workers is also making itself felt in electroplating companies. The industry is facing major challenges due to many changes in the economy, such as electromobility, climate-neutral energy generation, resource conservation and sustainability.
The industry and the location hope that the modern training facility will attract many people interested in training in a future-proof industry. To make the training location even more appealing, the adjoining hall of residence has also been freshly renovated and equipped with new furniture and kitchens.
