In June 2022, ZIMM opened its all-new, state-of-the-art training workshop in Lustenau – an investment in the future.
When space became scarce in the main building, we decided to build a new building in Millennium Park across the street. It was a logical step for owner and CEO Gunther Zimmermann that the apprenticeship programme should be based there: “Investing in the next generation of skilled workers is an investment in the future. We can only attract young talent with a truly modern training workshop.” After all, it is not only the labour market in general that is highly competitive, but also the one for apprentices. For smaller companies, it is particularly important to stand out if they want to score points against the better-known companies.
“An excellent company for training apprentices”
ZIMM has already achieved this in an excellent way – literally, as it has held WKO’s “Excellent company for training apprentices” seal of quality since 2012. But with the new 450 m² training workshop, a further step has been taken to advance apprenticeship to a new level. “We are also regularly represented at apprenticeship fairs,” says the CEO, “and the ZIMM stand always draws visitors like a magnet.” This is certainly also due to the presentation with VR goggles, with which interested apprentices can take a “live walk-in” through the training workshop.
Virtual tour
This virtual tour is also available on the ZIMM website. Anyone can take a look inside the apprenticeship rooms in 3D. Nevertheless, this modern tool is just the icing on the cake. The real strength lies in the bright and friendly atmosphere, but above all in the equipment itself: the machines for turning, milling, grinding and drilling meet the latest standards and, in addition to the workshop itself, the stylishly furnished premises are not only an eye-catcher, but also functional. In addition to the obligatory cloakrooms and showers, apprentices also have access to a break and study room.
Comprehensive practical training
Millennium Park 15 has been turning and milling since June 2022. That being said, the apprentices can and must also learn more complex work for gearbox construction. Accordingly, they work on production orders and special parts from the second year of their apprenticeship. This gives them more experience in machining technology and metalworking than most other apprentices. “Building gearboxes is something of a supreme discipline in the metalworking industry,” explains Gunther Zimmermann. “Producing, testing and finishing these to meet customer requirements is what makes our quality stand out.”
Promoting team spirit
Not only do the products have to be “premium”, soft skills are also emphasised in the apprenticeship. The programme includes joint excursions and workshops as well as the recently introduced “apprentice sports”. All apprentices in their first year of apprenticeship meet twice a week to do gymnastics or go for a run, for instance.
But even without these new measures, the apprenticeship programme at ZIMM is a success story. Since the company’s founding, more than 150 apprentices have been trained, 95% of whom have found a job and 60% of whom are still working for ZIMM – six of them even as apprenticeship trainers.
We value your opinion!
Feel free to join in our discussion on LinkedIn
Are there any remaining questions you have or would you like to share your thoughts on this news article with us?
We appreciate your comments and feedback.