The basic idea behind Zahnen Technik GmbH's InnovationLab was to offer the customer the best possible benefit by providing interdisciplinary training for employees. This means, for example, that a trainee in technical/craft professions also gains insights into process engineering planning, laboratory work, digitization as well as the standardization of global water-specific customer requirements. To this end, it was necessary to create a place where the company's 5 areas of expertise,
integrative can be trained.
In the spring of 2020, Festo Didactic and Zahnen Technik GmbH started planning a new training and development facility at the second location in Üttfeld. The so-called InnovationLab was to be of approx. 600 m², the so-called InnovationLab was to be built. After the first discussions the first conceptual designs were conceived.
Subsequently, a didactically integrative educational concept was jointly developed in detail by mid-2020. developed.
In 2021, the developed concept could finally be implemented and the hall completed. The furniture and teaching materials were delivered and assembled in April. In July, the training courses took place.
The InnovationLab was thus finally put into operation in summer 2021.
The project was financially supported by the European Union and the state, represented by the EAFRD managing authority "Ministry of Economy, Transport, Agriculture and Viniculture Rhineland-Palatinate" within the framework of the LEADER approach.
The InnovationLab comprises two core areas, namely research and development as well as education and training.
It focuses on the 5 competence areas of Zahnen Technik GmbH: electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, process engineering or process and environmental engineering, standardization and digitalization. This gives employees a comprehensive overview of the company's activities and its main objectives. In the area of electrical engineering, for example, there are various stations where both measurement and automation technology can be learned, as well as practical craftsmanship. Furthermore, a fully equipped laboratory for water analysis has been built.
The intended connection of the individual areas of competence was created, among other things, by the EDS® Watermanagement learning system as a model sewage treatment plant. Here, the various manual activities can be practiced for all apprenticeships, dual study programs, trainees and new employees.
There is also a training room for all types of theoretical training offered by Zahnen Technik GmbH. In order to promote the creativity of the trainees, apprentices and employees, a creative corner was set up.
Overall, care has been taken to ensure that the equipment is modern and state of the art.
Customer benefits:
"It was important to us to design the InnovationLab in such a way that it is modern and absolutely digitalized and meets the latest standards. But it should also have the flair to feel comfortable, because through this we can encourage people's creativity. With the integrative educational approach we aim that every trainee in our company and every new starting employee understands the company purpose and the company goal. This gives employees a sense of purpose for their work that motivates them."