Lifelong learning empowers companies and employees

Creating a movement and offering concrete vacancies

As a beacon project, Rolls-Royce Power Systems considers the transfer qualification of mechanical engineers, launched in spring 2019. With the strategic realignment of the engine manufacturer into a system provider, new competencies are required, particularly in the fields of system engineering as well as electronics and electrical technology. "We have decided to utilize the potential of our highly qualified specialists and, in cooperation with the HECTOR School, to further develop them to fit the new tasks," reports Martin Urban, Executive Vice President Engineering at Rolls-Royce Power Systems. This opens up new perspectives for both the business and its employees. According to Urban's experience, the success of this process depends on a couple of factors: "You have to have a vision, integrate development into an overarching strategy, and establish a movement. We also rely on voluntariness - this attracts the curious and intrinsically motivated. And very important: We provide very specific positions to those who are interested. Indeed, they are beginning a journey and would like to know where it will lead them. This provides security and strengthens confidence."

Meanwhile, around 100 employees have made use of the opportunity and found their way into their new positions. For example, engineers who previously constructed conventional engines are now developing local energy networks, so-called microgrids, in the Systems Engineering department. Or component developers for diesel engines are now working on hybrid drives designed for rail transportation. Recently, the starting shot for the third qualification round was fired. " Re-learning may be exhausting, but it's a lot of joy - that's what we hear virtually in unison from our attendees," Urban reports. "They want be part of the transformation. And those who are grounded in lifelong learning can cope with change." Nico Jäckel, Head of Marketing & Sales at the HECTOR School, adds that the exchange with colleagues in further education and the opportunity to think outside the box are as well highly valued. He developed and manages the project at the HECTOR School in cooperation with Rolls-Royce Power Systems: "As the provider of the qualification, we coordinate closely with the participants and the companies in order to design the program in an interesting and demand-oriented way. In doing so, we can rely on the scientific expertise of around 150 lecturers and scientists at KIT."

Occupying blank spaces on the map of knowledge

The HECTOR School has developed a three-phase approach. Following the basic qualification, some participants complete an intensified specialization program. These can be followed by another master's degree. "We reinforce interdisciplinary thinking and working and closely link knowledge transmission with practical application," explains Jäckel. Therefore, the program also involves laboratory work at the KIT along with case studies. When anchoring the acquired competencies in the company, the specialist departments and HR departments are in great demand. Equally at the beginning of the qualification program: the requirements in the business - often in the areas of electrification and digitalization - should be precisely identified. "These blank fields on the knowledge map are then filled with suitable educational modules," explains Nico Jäckel. According to his experience, it is as well important for the success to clearly explain the qualification process to the employees and what one intends to accomplish through it. Furthermore, the management should visibly assist and accompany such a qualification program - this reflects the relevance of the qualification for the employees as well as for the company and enables the strategic classification.  
How Rolls-Royce Power Systems has successfully implemented this is presented by Martin Urban at the Lifelong Learning Summit on May 20, 2022. The congress is aimed at companies as well as public organizations and institutions that want to make their businesses and employees future-proof. From 9:15 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., experts from both industry and academia will present practical concepts for a culture of lifelong learning. Attendance is free of charge. Further information and registration at: www.hectorschool.kit.edu/anmeldung-2022.php