Mercedes-Benz Turn2Learn Initiative to train over 600 data and AI specialists worldwide in 2023
Mercedes-Benz is investing more than €2 billion in the qualification of its global employees through the Turn2Learn qualification initiative through 2030. Every job description at Mercedes-Benz is changing as a result of digitalization and the increasing usage of strong artificial intelligence (AI) systems.
The Turn2Learn program focuses primarily on digitization and artificial intelligence. For example, more than 600 personnel from production, production-related fields, and administration are currently undertaking specific qualification to become data and AI professionals in the two pilot programs D.SHIFT and Data Worker.
The first graduates will receive their certificates in the coming days, including team members from Mercedes-Benz USA in Atlanta, GA, Mercedes-Benz U.S. International in Tuscaloosa, AL, Mercedes-Benz Financial Services USA in Farmington Hills, MI, Mercedes-Benz Vans in North Charleston, SC, and multiple Mercedes-Benz Research & Development North America locations. Mercedes-Benz is now expanding these programs due to high employee interest in this area.
“To successfully shape the company’s transformation, we need more than just the right digital tools and generative AI applications in place.” A team that accepts change while constantly expanding its digital abilities is significantly more important. The overwhelming demand in courses offered by our Turn2Learn qualification initiative demonstrates that Mercedes-Benz has exactly this type of workforce. Courage and commitment are required to successfully navigate the transition process. Both of these characteristics can be seen in the colleagues who are now participating in the D.SHIFT and Data Worker programs, as they continue to invest a significant amount of time and energy in retraining and further education.
As the world of work continues to evolve, lifelong learning will remain the key to success – both for us as a company and for our workers.”
Sabine Kohleisen, Member of Mercedes-Benz Group AG’s Board of Management in charge of Human Resources and Director of Labor Relations – “Electrification, digitalization, and rapid advances in artificial intelligence are fundamentally altering the workplace.” That also applies to production. As a result, we urgently want more data specialists who are familiar with the production environment and have a thorough understanding of digital tools and their interfaces. And this is where D.SHIFT, our production personnel qualification program, comes in. It enables us to deliver targeted assistance to technologically aware individuals who are eager to learn and adapt and are also familiar with our manufacturing processes. Following D.SHIFT’s success in Berlin and Untertürkheim, we intend to extend this one-of-a-kind program in the coming months.”
Jörg Burzer, Member of Mercedes-Benz Group AG’s Management Board, Production & Supply Chain Management – “Lifelong learning isn’t new,” says Ergun Lümali, Chairman of the General Works Council of Mercedes-Benz Group AG, “but the rate at which technologies and the workplace are changing is.” As a result, continual training and education are critical components of employment, the company’s future viability, and each individual’s personal development. Our goal as the works council is to ensure that our company’s change is fair, socially responsible, and just. It is critical to involve employees in the process in order to achieve this.
We have always been committed to certification training as the General Works Council. It is appropriate that the organization invests appropriately and sets the course for successful and continual qualification. However, everyone must have a strong will and courage. “I am impressed by our colleagues’ enthusiasm and motivation in completing their training.”
