‘THINK BIG!’ initiative returns to bauma 2016

After its successful launch at bauma in 2013, the second ‘THINK BIG!’ initiative is being held at bauma 2016. The initiative will feature and extensive and interactive programme focusing on technical training, educational and career opportunities in the construction and building materials machinery industry.

Thus far, over 12 000 schoolchildren from 230 schools have registered to attend. Joachim Schmid, Managing Director of the VDMA Construction Equipment and Building Material Machinery Association, is enthusiastic: “The interest just keeps growing.” And Stefan Rummel, Managing Director of Messe München, adds: “We are delighted that this initiative is again receiving such a good response. It shows the tremendous appeal this sector has to young people.”

‘THINK BIG!’ is on each day in Hall 80 during bauma 2016, with 16 companies, training institutions and associations taking part to offer participants real, hands-on experience, as well as explaining the training options and whats involved on a daily basis at the company. The companies will also be bringing along digger, grader and welder simulators, pinball machines, electronic control panels and table football tables operated with joysticks. The schoolchildren will be able to bend miniature masts and experience high-precision electrohydraulics on a hydraulically controlled maze. Also on hand will be trainees, HR people and technical experts and engineers from the companies, ready to talk to the attendees.

The centrepiece of the event will once again be the big “Workshop Live!” stage, featuring 20-minute shows taking place each day, on the hour, between 10:00 and 16:00. Here trainees will be working with construction machinery, while also being interviewed about their training.

Schmid outlines what’s new this time around: “Compared to 2013 this year we have structured the initiative better and have now integrated the vocational colleges and universities.” In the new section called “Vocational college live!”, teachers and students from these institutions will be giving insights into the courses and explaining what’s different about these colleges as compared to normal schools.

Adapted from press release by Rebecca Bowden

Read the article online at: https://www.worldcement.com/europe-cis/29012016/think-big-initiative-returns-to-bauma-2016-415/