Generation of the future.

According to those in the commercial vehicle industry, it is actually becoming more difficult every year to find and retain suitable personnel. Starting with training. There is no shortage of young people who are fascinated by motor vehicles, repair work and the like. However, the physical strain of working as a truck mechatronics technician is perceived to be greater than in the passenger car sector. That then deters many.

All the more important, then, to inspire the next generation for the industry as early as possible. In addition to face-to-face events such as education fairs, school internships are therefore a major opportunity for workshops today – to provide young people with guidance as they enter the world of work and to present themselves as an exciting training company. The outcome is positive: It is not uncommon for a school internship to turn into an apprenticeship that even culminates in a master craftsman's qualification.

The solution sounds simple; putting it into practice is the goal: training companies must retain their specialists in the long term – with proper vocational training, appreciation of the work and a balanced work–life balance. The good news: In many places the conditions for this are very good.

Choosing the profession of truck mechatronics technician means opting for a job with great potential. Personal talent is already especially promoted during training. One of the major challenges in commercial vehicle workshops is the Unimog. This is because the Special Truck from Mercedes-Benz Trucks is a true speciality and, people say, "the top choice of every vehicle mechatronics technician".

The Unimog has a very clear unique selling point. While municipal trucks or vans are simpler in terms of handling and bodywork, the versatile universal motor device requires particular precision. For some trainees the Special Truck is therefore even an incentive and special motivation to train. It is no coincidence that the Unimog is referred to in professional circles as the Swiss army knife of the automotive industry: the commercial vehicle with the star is versatile — its range of applications and numerous implements make it unique. In particular, the hydraulics of these implements are quite complex. Conversely, that also means: whoever can do the Unimog can do anything.

Many workshops are therefore actively committed to counteracting the shortage of skilled workers and, above all, to positively influencing the promotion of young talent.

The commercial vehicle service provider MLT Maschinen Logistik Technik GmbH & Co. KG from Thuringia, with a total of ten workshops and around 40 employees (including three trainees), invests heavily in its own talent development. In addition to numerous benefits, foremost a free truck driving licence, the service provider for commercial vehicle and municipal technology focuses on the personal and professional development of its trainees, including in popular day-long training courses. But long-term projects are also intended to motivate, challenge and, above all, retain young people.

In 2020 MLT initiated an in-house trainee project. At its centre: a 2010 Unimog U 500 from its own fleet for a complete overhaul. The first step was to examine the Special Truck in detail and get to know every screw and thread. The Unimog U 500 was then rebuilt from the ground up. Individual parts of the assemblies were overhauled and reassembled after painting and sandblasting – under the leadership of a master technician in the training programme and with the involvement of all trainees. Tight installation spaces, lots of electrics, all in a compact space. But after one and a half years of project time, the MLT team completed this Unimog challenge. As a crowning finale, the trainees had the opportunity to join the 75 Years of Unimog event in the anniversary parade with their overhauled Special Truck: from the Wörth plant to Gaggenau. A memorable experience that brings (and keeps) people together.

And after the challenge is before the challenge: The three trainees currently employed at MLT have immediately set about a new project: a Mercedes-Benz Vario, which after around 15 years of road operation including winter service is to be completely dismantled and rebuilt, similar to the Unimog U 500.

Internationally, the effects of the shortage of skilled workers in the commercial vehicle sector are also clearly apparent. Croy s.r.o, the authorised importer for Unimog in the Czech Republic since 1992, is also stepping up its efforts to promote young talent. The dealer for the sale and service of Mercedes-Benz Trucks commercial vehicles is currently building another location in Ostrava (Moravia). The foundation stone has been laid and construction work is progressing rapidly.

The service provider for special-purpose vehicles wants to present itself as a future employer and recruit staff. To that end, the company has committed to a special passion project and is acting exactly where it is needed: at a vocational school. The pupils were provided with a disassembled new Unimog U 219. Their task: to reassemble the special truck. It’s an ambitious project, for which the budding specialists of tomorrow also receive support from Croy experts. In interactive online training sessions the vocational students have the opportunity to gain valuable tips. However, they have to shoulder the lion’s share themselves. A demanding task that challenges each individual, but also leaves a lasting impression.

From apprenticeship positions to skilled worker positions to lateral-entry positions at the Mercedes-Benz Trucks and Unimog dealerships.