In the plastics industry, technological progress, trained employees and the transfer of know-how are crucial for long-term success. However, further training for employees is often a challenge for many internationally active companies. With various course formats in German and English, among others, the SKZ Plastics Center supports companies in the further training and qualification of specialists at home and abroad.

The SKZ supports the international plastics industry with comprehensive training courses in various languages. (Photo: Luca Hoffmannbeck, SKZ)

Würzburg institute offers online learning formats for the global plastics industry

The rapid development of new materials and production technologies requires companies to constantly adapt and update their knowledge. Employees must be regularly trained to keep up with the latest technological trends and put them into practice. This is not only crucial for a company's innovative strength, but also for its competitiveness on a global level. With increasing sustainability requirements and different regulatory frameworks in different countries, it is becoming increasingly difficult to ensure that all employees of a company are trained to the same level of quality both in Germany and internationally. Different languages, cultures and educational standards require customized approaches to ensure that all employees are trained to a high standard. In addition, there is a need to establish consistent standards across countries and to promote the transfer of knowledge between different locations.

Courses developed specifically for the needs of the plastics industry
Through various online learning formats such as web-based training (WBT) and live online courses, the SKZ offers further training measures that have been specially developed to meet the needs of the plastics industry. These are available in German and English. The first free demo courses are also available as WBTs in Italian, Turkish and Romanian. “The SKZ is also a pioneer in learning. By providing courses in English, we offer companies an additional opportunity to efficiently train their employees worldwide and thus acquire specialist knowledge,” says Irena Heuzeroth, Injection Moulding & Additive Manufacturing Trainer at the SKZ in Würzburg. “This is particularly interesting for internationally active companies in the plastics industry with locations in Germany and abroad or for companies with employees whose native language is not German. Online formats are also popular as an introduction, refresher or supplement to classroom courses.”

Live online courses: Interactive learning despite physical distance
Live online courses are ideal for anyone who wants to avoid travel but still wants to engage in intensive discussions with lecturers and industry colleagues. The interactive courses are broadcast live from the SKZ studio so that participants can ask questions directly and benefit from expert knowledge. The live online courses usually last three to four hours per course day and are available in German and sometimes in English. 

Web-based training: flexible learning for the plastics industry
The online self-study courses are particularly beneficial for professionals who want to learn flexibly, independently of location and according to their own schedule and learning speed. Interactive features such as tests, quizzes and videos make learning effective and engaging, and learners can apply their knowledge directly and receive immediate feedback. In addition to e-learning formats in German and English, the first demo courses are now available in Italian, Turkish and Romanian. 

Company-specific online courses, in-house and classroom training - also in different languages
For companies with special training requirements, the SKZ also offers the option of creating company-specific e-learning courses. These courses are individually tailored to the company's requirements and are available in German, English and other languages. Live online courses, face-to-face and in-house training courses can also be held in English and with interpreters in other languages. 

Free white papers for expert knowledge 
The SKZ regularly provides new white papers free of charge in German and English. These contain expert knowledge on current topics and developments, such as the future and challenges of additive manufacturing, carbon footprint for plastic products, material alternatives and other relevant issues. The aim is to provide industry experts with in-depth insights into technological trends, sustainability strategies and innovative materials. The knowledge gained from the white papers is available to all interested parties and is part of the SKZ's free educational offer with the intention of deepening knowledge in the plastics industry, sharing knowledge gained with the industry and the public and driving innovation.

Further information on the educational offer in English:
- Live online courses
- E-learning
- Whitepaper