Additive manufacturing is now an established processing technology, yet the industry continues to be highly innovative in this area and is constantly evolving. Formnext 2025 in Frankfurt am Main was also dominated by innovation. However, the focus was not only on new technological developments, but also on new concepts in the field of education and training.

The highlight for the still young field of additive manufacturing education was the presentation of the AMbassador Award. The award went to Irena Heuzeroth, senior trainer at SKZ, for the course “Certified Industrial Technician specializing in Additive Manufacturing,” which she developed together with the Chamber of Industry and Commerce in Würzburg.

The certified industrial technician specializing in additive manufacturing
The certified industrial technician specializing in additive manufacturing closes a central qualification gap at the intermediate education level in 3D printing technology between completed vocational training and academic education programs. It imparts practical knowledge along the entire process chain – from materials and design to occupational safety and production management – without academic barriers to entry. The continuing education program can be completed part-time over two years while working and includes two weeks of practical training (plastic and metal 3D printing).

Combating the shortage of skilled workers
The aim is to train skilled workers for industry in line with demand and to combat the shortage of skilled workers. The qualification is at DQR level 6 and opens up prospects for further study. An interdisciplinary team of experts from the field of additive manufacturing guarantees up-to-date content and high quality. This creates a nationwide unique, practice-oriented educational program for the sustainable strengthening of innovative power. The course is a joint offering from the SKZ Plastics Center and the Würzburg Chamber of Industry and Commerce.

Expert jury and online voting
In addition to a jury of industry experts, online voting also counts as another vote in selecting the winner. This year, Irena Heuzeroth from SKZ came out on top. "Winning the AMbassador Award makes me very proud and confirms how important knowledge transfer and qualification are in additive manufacturing. Technology alone is not enough, as the key to success lies in education and expertise. I am therefore all the more delighted that our course meets the needs of the industry and will hopefully pave the way to success for many participants and their companies. I would like to express my special thanks to my wonderful team at SKZ, without whose support this success would not have been possible," said Heuzeroth.

SKZ also offers other courses in the field of additive manufacturing
In addition to the industrial technician course, SKZ also offers a wide range of practice-oriented day courses and seminars in the field of additive manufacturing. Irena Heuzeroth also supports the master’s program “Product and System Development” at the Technical University of Würzburg-Schweinfurt as a lecturer, covering topics related to additive manufacturing.

Learn more about additive manufacturing at SKZ