“Alfred Helwig” School of Watchmaking graduation ceremonies A new generation of watchmakers celebrates completion of studies
Thursday, 7 July 2016 at the Saxon manufactory was dedicated entirely to 21 young men and women, students at the firm's own “Alfred Helwig” School of Watchmaking, who received their diplomas in the atrium of the manufactory and celebrated the completion of their studies.
Family members, representatives of Glashütte Original, instructors and former students had gathered at the manufactory for the great occasion and congratulated the newly-minted watchmakers on their success.
The following day saw the majority of the graduates already on the job in the various departments at Glashütte Original, where they will put their hard-earned knowledge to work immediately in the renowned watchmaker's watch assembly, production and customer service areas, and take their first steps in their professional lives alongside experienced colleagues.
The course of studies at the “Alfred Helwig” School of Watchmaking
This year's graduates have already provided ample evidence of their talent and exceptional manual dexterity during the three years of their training.
Every year since 2001 the Saxon manufactory has begun training new watchmakers and toolmakers in the firm's own training institute. The modern and well-equipped “Alfred Helwig” watchmaking school offers students a first-class education as a craft specialist in watchmaking or toolmaking.
The course of studies covers required theoretical knowledge and offers students useful insights into the day-to-day practice of watchmaking. During their studies they gain practical experience in selected areas of assembly and services at Glashütte Original.
The watchmaker goes to great lengths to ensure that the training meets international standards; this is highlighted in particular by a cooperative agreement, unique in Germany, between the “Alfred Helwig” School of Watchmaking and Switzerland's “WOSTEP” (Watchmakers of Switzerland Training and Educational Program). As a result of this partnership, students who pass the WOSTEP final examination receive, in addition to their German Specialist Worker certificate, the WOSTEP diploma. In the context of the program the students are also given an opportunity to construct a so-called “training watch” – a project, as exciting as it is instructive, that allows the students to make realistic, practical use of theoretical knowledge.