In an era of rapid technological advancements, companies like Mercedes-Benz recognize the crucial role of upskilling their workforce to stay ahead in the competitive market. To address the challenges brought by digitalization and artificial intelligence (AI), the company has launched the Turn2Learn qualification initiative. This groundbreaking program aims to equip more than 600 employees worldwide with specialized data and AI skills by 2030, fostering a future-ready and agile team.
Unleashing the Power of Turn2Learn
The Turn2Learn initiative is a strategic response to the evolving demands of the automotive industry based on company press release. According to Sabine Kohleisen, Member of the Board of Management at Mercedes-Benz Group AG responsible for Human Resources, the company is dedicated to embracing change and continually expanding its digital skills. The initiative has garnered immense interest from employees, underscoring their commitment to staying ahead in the dynamic world of digital transformation.
D.SHIFT: Empowering Production Employees
At the heart of the Turn2Learn program lies D.SHIFT, a pioneering in-service training program launched in 2021 at the Berlin site. D.SHIFT selects employees from production who demonstrate a keen interest in data and AI, giving them the opportunity to undergo specialized retraining as data specialists. The program provides intensive support, hands-on experience through practical projects, and job shadowing, enabling the participants to flourish in their new roles.
Jörg Burzer, Member of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz Group AG for Production & Supply Chain Management, emphasizes the importance of nurturing digital talents within the production environment. With the success witnessed in Berlin and Stuttgart-Untertürkheim, where 22 colleagues have successfully completed their retraining, D.SHIFT is set to expand further, catering to the growing interest from hundreds of employees across the production sites.
Data Worker: Shaping the Data-Driven Future
As data increasingly drives Mercedes’ evolution, the company recognizes the necessity for specialized data professionals. To meet this demand, the Turn2Learn program features Data Worker, offering tailored learning paths for data science and AI across the global workforce.
Jan Brecht, Chief Information Officer (CIO) of Mercedes-Benz Group AG, underscores the importance of qualified Data Workers, who play a pivotal role in tapping the full potential of data within the organization. These skilled professionals enable data-driven decisions, resulting in enhanced customer experiences and innovative solutions.
Turn2Learn: A Comprehensive Approach to Lifelong Learning
Mercedes’ Turn2Learn qualification initiative goes beyond specific programs like D.SHIFT and Data Worker. The program encompasses a diverse range of learning opportunities, from short courses to academic degrees. The training modules are strategically aligned with the company’s goals and cover diverse areas, such as “data science for beginners,” “cloud solution architect,” “hybrid working,” “developing learning routines,” and “project management.”
Since the launch of external learning platforms, employees have accessed learning opportunities over one million times, highlighting the program’s effectiveness and popularity. The company invests heavily in digital skills development across the organization, with tens of thousands of employees participating in courses related to digitalization, software, coding, and IT.
Final Thoughts
In a rapidly evolving digital landscape, the Mercedes-Benz Turn2Learn program serves as a beacon of proactive workforce development. It also capitalizes on the transformative power of AI in enhancing company productivity.
The automaker’s commitment to investing more than €2 billion in employee qualification until 2030 demonstrates its determination to build a team of skilled professionals capable of embracing digital revolution. Through initiatives like D.SHIFT and Data Worker, the three-pointed star marque not only empowers its employees but also paves the way for a future-driven, data-centric automotive industry.
