Lack of young talent threatens training and further education

The situation in the electroplating and surface technology sector is dramatic when it comes to training and further education. Electroplating technology teacher Frank Tischlinger outlines the situation and makes an appeal to the industry.

These young people are currently studying to become electroplating technicians in Schwäbisch Gmünd. The classes can only be filled with difficultySurfacetechnology is a key technology in numerous industrial sectors - from the automotive and aviation industries to mechanical engineering and medical technology. Nevertheless, we are currently facing a dramatic development: the number of trainees in the surface coating profession has been falling continuously for years. Particularly worrying, however, is the slump in applications for further training to become a state-certified electroplating technician. Only around a dozen electroplating technicians have successfully completed their further training this year.

The number of trainees in the surface coating profession has been falling continuously for years

There are many reasons for this development, some of which have long been known: In view of demographic change, there are fewer school leavers and therefore automatically fewer potential trainees. Competition with other sectors is leading young people to opt more often for professions that are more present in the public eye or supposedly offer better career opportunities.

Added to this is the lack of visibility. Although surface technology is highly innovative, it is hardly recognized outside of specialist circles. Many people are simply unaware of the job profiles and development opportunities. And finally, company structures also lead to a lack of training:

In some companies, there is no long-term training strategy or only limited opportunities to release employees for further training over several years. Or they simply don't want any more.

Acute skills shortage - act now!

Try out the best way to do it - at the Galvanotechnikum in SolingenTheindustry is already suffering from a significant shortage of skilled workers. Qualified surface coaters and electroplating technicians in particular are rare - and demand will continue to rise in the coming years.

" Without well-trained specialists, there is a risk of quality losses, production bottlenecks and a weakening of competitiveness! "

It is now up to companies to take countermeasures: it is important to strengthen training, offer more apprenticeships and actively communicate the attractiveness of the profession. Further training should also be promoted and employees should be given the opportunity to train as state-certified technicians - through time off, financial support, clear career prospects and transparent agreements. Long-term thinking is required to keep the industry vital: if you don't train today, you won't have any skilled workers tomorrow.

Using the strengths of schools

Vocational schools offer the opportunity to teach the entire range of surface technology in theory and practice. Even trainees from highly specialized companies benefit from this, as they receive comprehensive specialist training in the classroom - in line with the nationally valid framework curricula.

With its new electroplating center, the Technische Berufskolleg Solingen (TBK) has state-of-the-art facilities to teach all electroplating processes in a practical manner (read the report "Milestone for the future of surface technology" in Galvanotechnik 10/2024, p. 1328 ff.). Not only is traditional specialist knowledge taught here, but also forward-looking technologies.

The equipment in the classes is first-class and state-of-the-art. Whether in Schwäbisch Gmünd, as in the picture, or in the classrooms of the new electroplating center in SolingenTheelectroplating center includes the electroplating pilot plant with all electroplating processes, including a plastic line as well as pre-, intermediate and post-treatment. The mechanical pre-treatment department has six grinding and polishing machines and workbenches. Basic experiments and analyses can be carried out in the new chemistry laboratory and the fully equipped classrooms have their own WLAN. In addition, the school's own dormitory offers 32 places for the block teaching phases of trainees or participants in the full-time electroplating technician course. Digital aids have been an integral part of teaching for years. The targeted use of artificial intelligence makes it possible to individually adapt and prepare learning content. In this way, trainees and prospective technicians can be optimally challenged and supported according to their prerequisites and requirements.

A serious warning

The low number of participants in technician classes is alarming. These classes have been poorly attended for years - and are therefore seriously threatened with closure by the school authorities. If this trend is not halted, further training courses at schools could disappear forever. This would mean that the industry would lose a crucial qualification tool.

" If enrolments remain so low, the courses will be closed and no longer offered "

The further training course for electroplating technicians at the Gewerbliche Schule in Schwäbisch Gmünd will be starting shortly. There are still plenty of places available, so take advantage of this opportunity! In addition to "normal" electroplating and anodizing, the focus here is on printed circuit board technology.

Is that too short notice for you? The next technician training course starts again in 2026 at the TBK in Solingen. The focus there will be on plastics technology. And yes, you read that correctly: the Gewerbliche Schule Schwäbisch Gmünd and the TBK Solingen are cooperating on further training to become an electroplating technician. It's high time to fight for the technicians together. Would you like to find out more about the schools? We will be at the ZVO Surface Treatment Days in Berlin, please contact us! Perhaps we can find further opportunities for constructive cooperation. Note: Even if this commentary is not gender-neutral, all genders are welcome in electroplating training and further education.