Rockwell Automation South Africa and the Hirschmann Competence Center Conclude Training Partner Agreement
Since its launch in 2002, the Hirschmann Industrial Ethernet Certification Scheme has gone from strength to strength. With over 600 certifications issued in 33 countries, the international aspirations of the world's first global Industrial Ethernet certification scheme have been achieved.
Central to the success of the scheme is Hirschmann's Industrial Ethernet technology training courses. These courses leverage Hirschmann's long-term experience in the market sector, focussing specifically on the use of Ethernet in industrial environments. Training is delivered worldwide through Hirschmann's international offices, with Latin America covered by Hirschmann authorised trainers. But until recently there was a gap in the training coverage, with no public courses being offered in Africa.
As a leading manufacturer of power, control, and information systems, Rockwell Automation offers an extensive portfolio of training courses that reflects its broad diversity of products. Rockwell Automation's national office in Midrand, South Africa boasts purpose-built training facilities, and experienced trainers with comprehensive knowledge covering all aspects of Industrial Automation.
Hirschmann's in-depth technology training courses, delivered by Rockwell Automation's proficient trainers, is clearly a world-class combination that would bring tremendous benefits and enhanced learning opportunities to the customers of both companies. With this in mind, negotiations were started in March 2005 to agree an official training partnership between the companies.
After both parties signed the training partnership contract, Mr. Jeff Sharman of Rockwell Automation South Africa visited the Hirschmann Competence Center at Hirschmann's head office in Neckartenzlingen during July 2005. There he attended the necessary training courses and sat all examinations, passing with marks considerably in excess of the already stringent requirements.
"The training was very intensive and challenging.", says Sharman. "Rockwell Automation has been providing high quality training in Africa for 20 years, and Hirschmann naturally expects its courses to be delivered to the same standard. Passing these tough exams is a clear way to demonstrate depth of knowledge and technical competence in Industrial Ethernet to our customers. Trainees attending our courses can be confident that they are being educated to the highest globally acknowledged standard."
"Around the world, organisations of all sizes are using a combination of products from Rockwell Automation and Hirschmann.", adds Knut Erpenbach, Director of the Hirschmann Competence Center. "The successful implementation of this training partner agreement shows that both we and our customers can also benefit from the synergy between our service departments."
After successfully completing all steps in the process, Jeff Sharman became a Hirschmann Authorised Trainer on 29th July, and the first training courses have been scheduled in Midrand for October this year.
With official Hirschmann training courses now offered across Africa by Rockwell Automation, both companies have proved that they are committed to providing quality cutting edge training to their customers and anyone with an interest in Industrial Ethernet technology.
Rockwell Automation South Africa training schedule