DEK challenges German electrical engineering skills shortage on home soil

The much-publicized skills shortage currently facing the German economy is causing concern across many critical industries, not least in the field of electronic engineering which has long been one of the country’s strongholds. Leading businesses have rallied around to encourage more young people into the sector; the latest being DEK which recently welcomed a student delegation to its stand at Munich’s Productronica exhibition.

A global technology leader delivering advanced mass imaging solutions to SMT, Semiconductor and Alternative Energy industries, DEK has a strong footprint in Germany with Sales, Engineering and Process Support teams operating out of the region. Recently showcasing its latest technologies at Productronica, one of the world’s largest exhibitions for electronics production professionals, DEK invited a group of German students to its stand with the aim of inspiring them to pursue some of the many opportunities associated with electronic engineering. The visit was instigated by ZVEI, a German Electronic Manufacturers’ Association dedicated to securing the competitive and innovative ability of the electrical and electronics engineering industry in Germany.

The student tour was conducted by DEK’s Axel Lindloff, a young engineer who inspired the delegation with a talk that touched on his own experiences in the electronics sector along with the challenges involved in the manufacturing arena. Having studied Electrical Engineering in Germany, Lindloff began his career at DEK in 2003 where he now works as a Solutions Engineer. He explains: “I was delighted to have the opportunity to show these students around the DEK stand as it really encapsulated how electronic engineering is at the heart of daily life. As technology leaders, here at DEK, we’ve pioneered many of the processes that drive everyday life – from computers to mobile phones. I was able to introduce the students to some of these technologies, along with the skills you need in engineering today – project management, team work and communication to name but a few.”

Reinforcing the importance of the electronic engineering sector to Germany, ZVEI’s Past President, Professor Dr. Edward G. Krubasik, explains: “The electrical engineering and electronics industry contribute to the fact that necessary changes lead to new opportunities for the people of Germany, Europe and the world and their environment. We are the most innovative sector in Germany and frontrunners in Europe. Our companies are the pacemakers of technological advance."  DEK’s Lindloff adds: “I think that the students were really interested to learn about the important role played by electronic engineers. Maybe I will see them back at DEK at some point in the future – hopefully helping us set the pace for further advances!”

About DEK

DEK is a global provider of advanced materials deposition technologies and support solutions including printing equipment platforms, stencils, precision screens and mass imaging processes used across a wide range of applications in electronics pre-placement subassembly, semiconductor wafer manufacture, and alternative energy component production. For more information, visit DEK at http://www.dek.com.