Frankfurt School Training Academy at the German Training Leadership Congress

Filling open apprenticeship positions is currently a major challenge for many companies. This makes it all the more important to support apprentices who have already been recruited and to provide them with mentors who motivate them and support their development. Training managers were able to learn how this can be achieved at the German Training Congress (DALK). The Frankfurt School Training Academy was represented twice at this year’s congress: with an exhibition and information stand as well as a keynote session.

Brigitte Teschner and Johannes Kirn from the FS Training Academy guided around 160 participants through a practice-oriented intensive session, demonstrating how the supervision of apprentices can be brought more strongly into focus as a central task. In their presentation, “Simplify your trainer life – reduce admin stress, optimize mentoring time,” they provided practical recommendations on how trainers can be relieved of administrative burdens and highlighted the value of individual support for apprentices. They explained how simplification, digitalization, and delegation can streamline processes, allowing the time gained to be used specifically for mentoring apprentices.

“A strong relationship with apprentices is the key to sustainable recruiting and long-term business success,” the training experts emphasized. “We want all trainers to receive the support they deserve so they can perform their core tasks even better.” The guiding principle of their presentation was: “Take the time to question your processes again.” This was also an invitation to participants to critically review established structures.

A special moment of the presentation was the recognition of the longest-serving trainer present, with 32 years of experience in vocational training. This acknowledgment reflected appreciation for the lasting importance and social value of the trainer profession. The speakers used this moment to encourage reflection on further development in the training field—what is new and valuable, which traditional elements have proven effective, and which structures can make way for new approaches?

“Following the presentation, there were engaging discussions in which we developed solutions for collaboration—from training apprentices in the IT sector to content development for the public sector,” said Evi Zielinski, Director of the Training Academy.

During the breaks, the Training Academy’s exhibition stand offered further opportunities for exchange and highlighted the organization’s practical approach to continuously developing new and effective solutions for training managers. The Training Academy will remain a reliable partner for trainers who want to further develop the quality of vocational training through innovative approaches.

The DALK is held under the patronage of Federal Minister of Labour Hubertus Heil and is the most important platform for training managers in the German-speaking region. This year’s congress took place on November 4 and 5 in Düsseldorf.