31.03.2021

New apprenticeship: sports equipment specialist

New apprenticeshipThe workshops at Berufsschule Ried have been equipped with WINTERSTEIGER products.
© Rambossek.com

WINTERSTEIGER equips vocational colleges

 

A new sports equipment specialist apprenticeship has been created to supply the highly innovative sports sector with well-trained specialists. The three-year training program involves a mix of commercial and technical content, with a specialization in technology. The first apprentices began their training in summer 2020.

 

WINTERSTEIGER equipped training centers in Zell am See, Hartberg, and Ried for the key training area of ski and snowboard service. The students practice setting and checking the binding on the binding setting device, and learn manual ski servicing skills on WINTERSTEIGER workbenches equipped with ski tighteners, wax irons, files, etc. Apprentices at the Berufsschule Ried vocational college have the home advantage; in addition to the classes at the college, they can come to WINTERSTEIGER and learn about working with automated ski service machines.

 

 



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The first apprentices on the new apprenticeship course at Berufsschule Ried. Back left: Director Reinald Katzinger and Alexander Lang, contact person for sports retail and sports equipment specialist
© Rambossek.com

Alexander Lang, contact person for sports retail at Berufsschule Ried, was involved in creating the curriculum. He explains that “the training content covers winter sports with ski and snowboard service and binding fitting. Other topics include boot fitting, namely adjusting the ski boots to ensure they fit properly; bike assembly, repair, and servicing; and the full range of racket sports.” As the chairperson for sports retail at the Austrian Economic Chamber and CEO of VSSÖ (Association of Sporting Goods Producers and Sports Equipment Suppliers in Austria), Michael Nendwich is the interface with the industry. He is well aware of the need for specialists and confirms that “when it comes to the tourist trade and urban sports outlets, the customization and fitting of sports equipment, as well as servicing, are extremely important For us, these services represent the primary difference between bricks and mortar stores and online retail. However, there is a huge shortage of specialists. We want to combat this with the new apprenticeship and give retail a boost.”