BITZER has developed a new concept for customer training, launched at the International Refrigeration Seminar held in June 2011 in Sindelfingen. New content, plenty of practical exercises and more specific training activities were key features of the seminar.

"With our newly-developed training concept we are in a position to respond to our customers' requirements more completely and to set individual priorities in the seminars," says Michael Hendriks, Head of Technical Communication and Training at BITZER and responsible for customer training. "This lets us respond to the growing demand for high-quality training in markets all over the world."

The new training concept means that BITZER's specialists can meet the needs of far more participants in each of the seminars. The highlight is, however, that the participants can select their required area of specialization in advance of a seminar and this then allows specific topic areas to be addressed in detail in small groups. "Small groups focusing on the specific profiles of the participants allow us to concentrate more closely on our clients and train them in exact accordance with their needs," says Michael Hendriks.

Emphasis in the small groups is given to practical knowledge. At this year's International Refrigeration Seminar, BITZER trainers specially set up a number of ECOSTAR units and their control units for practical exercises. "Throughout the practical phase, BITZER's specialists are there for our customers at all times," says Michael Hendriks. "That is one of the key points of the new concept. We can train more people and yet make sure that we are transferring a lot of practical knowledge in small groups."

Alongside the work aspect of BITZER seminars, however, there is also an element of relaxation. During the International Refrigeration Seminar, for example, there was an excursion to the historic town of Heidelberg and a visit to the SCHAUWERK Sindelfingen gallery. "We must not neglect the human and social aspects. In the end, the opportunity for exchange among colleagues is of great importance for self development," says Michael Hendriks.

The new concept has been well received. The clearest statement came from John Downing-Gaines from the UK: "This was my first BITZER seminar. I have been a refrigeration engineer for 40 years, but in the last 20 years worked mainly in the office and so have not had the chance to see a lot of developments on a day-to-day basis.

For me the electronic components are a real challenge as they are unfamiliar to me. But here in the seminar I can catch up and in my view you can never have too much hands-on practice. I feel I have really come to the right place."

For all customers who were unable to secure places in the next series of seminars, BITZER can offer alternative dates or provide training on customers' premises on request.

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