It is an indisputable fact that nowadays learning no longer ends on completion of a school or college education. Longer working lives and new challenges, such as those posed by demographic change, have turned learning into a life-long process. Personal development is becoming increasingly important, which is why we in the BAUER Group actively encourage and promote independent, practically oriented learning and invest in the ongoing development of our staff.

In 2009, BAUER Training Center GmbH (BTC) was founded as a subsidiary of BAUER Aktiengesellschaft. It offers a comprehensive training and development programme for Group employees as well as courses for staff of customers and other business partners. The BTC is certified as an accredited professional training facility by the TÜV SÜD accreditation body, and as such is qualified to offer professional training on the open labour market – including in cooperation with the German Federal Labour Agency.

In 2010, BAUER Training Center GmbH became the first institution in Germany to be licensed to conduct tests and issue permits to drilling rig and pile-driver operators. The target is that all Bauer employees operating such equipment will have acquired the permit by the end of 2011. Particular attention is paid to ensuring compliance with all safety regulations when operating machinery. Practical training is conducted on the company's own training circuit at the machinery manufacturing plant in Aresing, including driving exercises, tilt tests, and practising typical on-site scenarios, so that operators are able to work to the necessary safety standard.

In 2010, a total of EUR 1.6 million was invested in training at the Schrobenhausen site alone. Almost 2,200 BAUER Group employees attended the seminars organized by BAUER Training Center GmbH. 389 internal and external seminars were held. That statistically represents a decline compared to the previous year's figure, but the decrease is due to the very pleasing fact that improved order intake eliminated the need to conduct training courses as part of short-time working measures.

Moreover, the courses offered by the BTC are being utilized more and more by Group subsidiaries. The number of courses being conducted on-site at the various Group companies has also increased further. Apprentice training has been expanded particularly strongly. Early training and development provides young people with better preparation for their future roles. Tutoring ranges from telephone training and language courses for office staff to technical training on machinery for trades apprentices.

Another core element of staff and management development within the BAUER Group is the annual employee review, at which development goals and necessary qualification measures are discussed. Other instruments, such as the company's "Be-Mobil" international exchange programme, personalized coaching and mentoring actively assist our management and staff to develop their skills and do their jobs more effectively.