Photo: Webasto, from left to right: Thomas Decker, Stephan Koller, Markus Johannes Zimmermann, Christian Gallner, Hubert Döllinger, Sabine Weiß
Webasto Schierling and Eckert Schools are carrying out a comprehensive project to provide employees with advanced training in battery technology and in working on vehicles with high-voltage systems
At the annual conference of the Cluster Mobility & Logistics held at TechBase Regensburg in late November 2023, Mr. Stephan Koller (Director of Education at Eckert Schools) and Thomas Decker (Production Manager at Webasto Roof & Components SE – Schierling Plant) met. Subsequently, an initial meeting was scheduled for spring 2024 at the Webasto plant in Schierling, attended by Mr. Stephan Koller, Mr. Markus Johannes Zimmermann (Managing Director of the Dr. Eckert Academy), Mr. Christian Gallner (Plant Manager at Webasto Roof & Components SE), and Mr. Thomas Decker, to explore the possibilities for strategic collaboration.
Consequently, a joint electrical qualification concept for high-voltage battery production was developed in the summer of 2024. The first training project then began in the spring of 2025. The Webasto plant in Schierling is currently undergoing a transformation from a production facility for roofs and roof components to a technology center for battery manufacturing. Webasto employees who were previously assigned to the production of plastic components are gradually being retrained by certified trainers from the Eckert Schools for work in high-voltage battery production.
Hubert Döllinger, department head and training project manager for the Eckert Schools, took it upon himself to personally conduct the first training sessions in accordance with the scope specified in DGUV Information 209-093. The Eckert Schools are an AZAV-certified training provider, which means Webasto can apply for subsidies for the training programs under the Qualification Opportunities Act. In 2025, more than 60 employees were trained as electrical specialists, and additional in-house training sessions totaling approximately 20 weeks are planned for 2026 as well.