BASF takes an innovative approach to learning. Its staff take advantage of new learning methods and environments to pursue the goal of lifelong learning. Chancellor Angela Merkel made a stop-over here on her education trip to find out more about the company's modern learning strategy.
The Chancellor was visibly impressed by what she saw and heard at BASF’s education and training centre. This was the first time she had seen an approach like this to fostering lifelong learning.
The BASF staff, who are quick to take advantage of the learning options available, are the proof that the system works. “This could and should be an example for other companies too,” declared Angela Merkel. It demonstrates the fact that employees are extremely interested in further training.
For the present and the future – lifelong learning
The Chancellor is convinced that lifelong learning will become increasingly important in Germany. The example of BASF brought this home to her today. Over the next 12 years the percentage of the company’s total workforce accounted for by over-fifty-year olds is set to rise from 22 percent to 57 percent.
It will become essential to pass on the expertise and the experience of the older staff members, said the Chancellor. And at the same time, further training courses will be needed to keep the older members of the workforce up to date. “They can do that here, and enjoy themselves at the same time. This is a place where we can see that learning is fun,“ the Chancellor stressed. And that is as it should be in a knowledge society.
Learning with all five senses
“Learning pays off” and “Learning with all five senses”. These are the slogans of the BASF centre. They are evidence that the people responsible for designing the education and training centre gave a great deal of though to the learning process.
The result is a learning centre which is in a class of its own in Germany. The education and training centre fosters individual learning on the part of BASF staff and trainees. More than 43,000 people used the centre last year alone.
The learners have the support of learning counsellors, who work with each individual to identify learning types and learning goals. The vital factor is that each individual decides for him or herself what and how they wish to learn. It is then the individual who decides on their own professional development. The learning counsellors intervene only when their advice is requested.
But that in itself is not the most unique aspect of this education and training centre. Great importance is attached to achieving the right learning environment, which is intended to underpin the self-learning strategy.
Rocky oasis, stone seats and the sound shell
The rooms are individually decorated and fitted out, and the harmonious ensemble of colours and forms provide an attractive learning environment. If you prefer to move as you learn, you can do so in the learning-in-motion room, where you can cycle as you learn, or perhaps opt for the hammock.
If you prefer to learn alone in peace, you can settle down in the sound shell which is used for all audio-based learning media.
A rocky oasis with stone seats and water features can be used for what are termed learning events. These are more than simply traditional courses. In a relaxed atmosphere you can acquire new knowledge or refresh your skills and enjoy yourself as you do so.
The staff members demonstrating the learning situation to the Chancellor were proof enough that learning at BASF is entertaining. Whether they were building a wall with plastic bricks following the English instructions produced by a fellow student, or whether they were playing dominoes using safety symbols and the English designations, it was very obvious that they were having great fun learning!
