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»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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