We have interviewed Dr Barbara Ofstad, Head of Siemens Professional Education Germany at Siemens AG. Siemens AG is one of the pioneering  members and advocates of EAfA. It is renowned for its leadership in the electrical engineering industry and has made significant strides in enhancing apprenticeship programmes. At the same time, we will see how it is reshaping the perception of vocational education and training (VET). In our interview, Dr Ofstad elaborated on Siemens' commitment to EAfA, their accomplishments and the invaluable insights gained through their EAfA membership. And, if this inspires you, find out at the end of this article how you can submit your own pledge.  

Could you provide a brief overview of your pledge and its relation to EAfA objectives? 

We have implemented significant innovations in our recruiting activities to improve the perception of apprenticeships and guide students in career selection. We've introduced virtual apprenticeship fairs called ‘SIEYA’ and partnered with Microsoft and SAP to offer ‘Digital Insights’ for students, teachers and parents since 2020. We're continually experimenting with new formats and enhancing talent relationship management, focusing on orientation, talent attraction, and retention. We're active on various social media channels such as Instagram (@Siemens_Ausbildung), TikTok, Facebook, LinkedIn and YouTube to broaden our reach. 

Formally, we've committed to improving the quality of our trainers and apprenticeship curricula, which are documented respectively by digital learning hours per year and an innovation process. This process includes an annual review of our trend radar, developed with all relevant stakeholders, serving as a basis for curriculum improvements.  

Since submitting a pledge, what activities has Siemens AG undertaken to achieve the EAfA objectives in their pledge? 

Since renewing our pledge, Siemens has encouraged more companies to participate in the German Digital Insights format to promote apprenticeships. We’ve also launched a new website on career guidance for school students and continue to develop training for vocational trainers to meet our commitment of digital skills training every year. The annual review of our trend radar has guided curriculum improvements, focusing on AI, system resilience and intrapreneurship. And, of course, we offer a wide range of technical and commercial apprenticeships. 

In which fields does Siemens AG offer apprenticeships? 

Siemens offers electronics, mechatronics and IT apprenticeships across 18 training centres in Germany, 7 in Austria, and in various other European countries. Additionally, we provide commercial apprenticeships, such as industrial business management assistant and digitalisation management specialists. We also offer degree apprenticeships, which combine study with apprenticeship, with nearly half of our German students enrolled in such programmes. These programmes, popular in Germany, France (known as apprentissages dans l'enseignement supérieur) and the UK, allow us to tailor training to our business needs, especially in interdisciplinary areas like engineering and business administration or engineering and IT. The learning time in this case is split between studying at a university and at Siemens. In our case, we provide some training in our training centres and also ensure dual students do practical work guided by the future colleagues in the businesses. This approach aligns with Siemens’ integration of operational technology and information technology in many solutions. 

You mention that you have training centres across the EU. How has EAfA membership helped Siemens AG facilitate regional collaboration and partnerships across Europe? 

As of September 2023, Siemens has 4 475 apprentices in EU countries. We collaborate with companies across borders, such as AWS. Regional cooperation and partnerships are integral to Siemens’ DNA. We value the exchange of ideas and practices within the EAfA network and gain insights into VET methods in other countries. For example, in our working group on green skills we discuss how to identify skills gaps specifically and exchange experience on gamified learning methods regarding sustainability topics. 

What opportunities has Siemens AG taken to participate in these exchanges?  

We’ve actively contributed to discussions, exchanges and surveys within EAfA. For instance, we participated in a panel discussion during the pandemic, sharing insights on orchestrating VET during challenging times. We’ve also shared practices at joint CEDEFOP/OECD symposia on apprenticeships for greener economies and societies in 2021 and on apprenticeships and the digital transition in 2023. Recently, we joined the EAfA community on green and digital transitions, where we plan to showcase some of our green and digital learning units, such as the SUSIE gamified platform for sustainability learning. 

Do you have any standout stories to share about apprentices who have successfully completed an apprenticeship? 

We have numerous success stories among our apprentices. Julie Lemke and Tom Förster were recently honoured for their achievements in industrial electrical occupations by Saxony’s Prime Minister Kretschmer and the President of the Federation of German Industries (BDI). Julie Lemke also received recognition as the best dual student in the state from the Prime Minister, based on her excellent grades. 

Another notable success story is the Cross Border Project, where apprentices from different countries collaborate on common projects. This programme enhances transversal skills such as taking on responsibility and project management in a cross-cultural environment, providing valuable international experience and networking opportunities. 

Why should other organisations join EAfA and submit a pledge? 

EAfA offers a platform to exchange VET ideas across boundaries and learn from other companies and countries' practices. It provides valuable insights into innovation in VET and effective implementation of new methods and technologies. 

Has Siemens AG’s story inspired you to learn more about submitting a EAfA pledge? Find out how you can start your journey to becoming a EAfA member on our EAfA Membership and Pledges webpage.