tekom initiates new training program for technical editors

(Stuttgart, February 2002) Due to a shortage of technical editors in Germany, the tekom E.V. (German association for technical communication and documentation) has initiated a new on-the-job training program for this profession. Approximately 30,000 technical editors and illustrators are currently involved in the creation of technical documentations in Germany, though there are no exact figures available. tekom estimates a yearly need of approximately 850 professionals, arising from old-age retirement. This demand can not be satisfied by the number of university graduates (approximately 400) and graduates from private educational institutions (approximately 100).

Apart from that, more manufacturers are beginning to realize that they have to put the complete development process of their manuals into the hands of well-trained professionals. Nowadays, technical products are subject to such rapid technological change that they often cannot be handled without understandable, target-group oriented instruction. Furthermore, international legislation has begun to focus on consumer protection. In this context, it is important to keep an eye on instruction manuals. One example is the "Assembly Clause" within the framework of the reformation of the law of obligations. Deficient instructions therefore hold incalculable liability risks for vendors and dealers.

The tekom initiative plans to increase the number of trained professionals as soon as possible. In order to guarantee the technical quality, experts of the association have developed a training plan and an employment contract. Both can be ordered from the tekom office. Furthermore, tekom will publish the names of the companies offering training contracts and the respective contact details on their website.

In general, applicants do not need to have a specific educational background. However, vocational training in a technical profession, a university/college degree in Humanities, Social Science, or Natural Science can be an advantage. The specified salary during the training program is 1,278 EUR (approximately 2,500 DM). The program will take 24 months. During this period, the trainee will take part in further external training. It is possible to shorten the training period if both sides agree.

Interested applicants and companies should contact the tekom office directly for further information:

Eberhardstr. 69-71
70173 Stuttgart
Germany

phone 0049(0)711/65704-0
fax 0049(0)711/65704-99
Germany
info@tekom.de