

»When the Learning Factory was set up, I was already
well into my first year of training to become a
mechatronics engineer. We had plenty of freedom as
apprentices. We were encouraged to use our own
initiative and our ideas were put into practice. Apart
from organisational tasks, we built a glass box for
training purposes designed to ensure the efficient
use of compressed air.«
Leonie Müller, trainee mechatronics engineer
Festo AG & Co. KG
Education and knowledge represent an essential part of the Festo
corporate culture. Individual learning is part of every single
employee’s career. When it came to planning the new plant, the
project team worked with Festo Didactic to develop the innovative
concept of the Learning Factory. The aim was to integrate this cul-
ture of learning without further delay in the procedures at the
Technology Plant.
Training in everyday work
Practical learning at the workplace or theoretical learning in the
training centre: both can reach their limits if the production pro-
cess is interfered with or the employee is not dispensable. This gap
is closed by the Learning Factory, which is centrally integrated into
the plant. Pilot training schemes, product training courses and pro-
cess qualifications are possible at any time during the working day
at the Technology Plant, and are completely flexible as regards
duration, contents or participating persons.
Room to learn
Four areas covering a space of 220 square metres are accommo-
dated in the Learning Factory: the room modules for machining,
assembly, cross-section issues and processes as well as the media
centre with PC learning stations. Connections for electricity, com-
pressed air and ones to the network are available everywhere for
the test set-ups via hinged media sockets. For an optimal learning
effect, the learning stations are equipped with original compo-
nents and software from production.
Awareness for energy
In order to be a pioneer in terms of energy efficiency, a conscious
approach to resources is practised at the Technology Plant. For
instance, the employees take a course about energy efficiency in
the Learning Factory. At the learning station they witness how
energy consumption and the price increase when a full kettle is
boiled for a single cup instead of the amount required. At two cups
Learning as a matter of course
Employees get qualifications and training in a practical
and needs-based manner: the Learning Factory as an
integral part of the Technology Plant
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