Group of machine operators watching asphalt paving with a Vögele paver.

Ideally prepared by Wirtgen Group training courses

Vögele user training in Windhagen

Windhagen – Machine operators play a key role on every construction site and ensure that projects are successfully realised with the required precision and efficiency. The Wirtgen Group offers practical training with and on its machines to ensure that users can operate them with absolute confidence right from the start. The comprehensive, globally accessible training programme covering applications, technology and machine operating enables users of Wirtgen Group machines to maximise efficiency, productivity and profitability on construction sites. After all, thorough training for those in charge is essential to the long-term realisation of a machine’s full potential – as are comprehensive technical knowledge and skills when it comes to maintenance and repairs. Construction contractor Dr. Fink-Stauf is fully aware of this. The contractor’s asphalt-paving crew is being ideally prepared for the work on real construction sites at the user-training courses provided by Vögele.

The new features of the Vögele SUPER 1800-5 X are tested and thoroughly explored by the Dr. Fink-Stauf team during the hands-on training sessions.

Relaxed, authentic and professional: the recipe for successful training.

At the two-day operator training course in Windhagen, the paving crew from Dr. Fink-Stauf met Mario Runkel, who already has 20 years professional experience as an instructor. The focus was on the new features of the SUPER 1800-5 X paver from Vögele. On the second day, a theoretical session was immediately followed by practical implementation of what had been learned on the machine.Mario Runkel explains: ‘I think it’s really important to talk to one another about what we’re doing and why – with a sense of humour and a spirit of fun as well. It helps a lot when it comes to finding out what we might be doing wrong. The way I see it, there’s simply a general problem: without proper training, certain false ideas about operating machines can get around, and paving crews might end up doing things wrong. My experience – especially with teams that I see again – clearly shows that things just go better thanks to the training sessions.’

Training that increases productivity and profitability

With the wide range of Wirtgen Group training programmes in the categories of applications, operating and technology, we train you and your team to make the most effective and sustainably profitable use of your machines from our company group. After all, it has been shown time and again that, in addition to the necessary technical expertise for maintenance and repair, the proper training of your personnel is a fundamental prerequisite for optimal and long-term machine use.

The clear benefits offered by Wirtgen Group training courses can be found in detail on our training website.

Knowledge refresher for the team from Dr. Fink‑Stauf at the two-day Vögele user-training course in Windhagen

In the Wirtgen Group training classroom in Windhagen, users learn all they need to know to be ideally prepared for the start of the next season.

Instructor Mario Runkel not only impresses with his breadth of knowledge but also teaches the material with enthusiasm and passion.

Mario sees himself as a link in the chain between construction and users.

‘My goal is to fill in the gaps in understanding so that everyone knows and understands exactly what the machine can do and what it does – for example, when you press a particular button,’ says course instructor Mario.

The best way is learning by doing: only applied knowledge creates added value.

…this is why the second day of the user-training course focuses on practical issues.

Rollers from Hamm also make an appearance.

‘For me, it’s very important not to just reel off what it says in the operator’s manual but also to demonstrate what it’s describing.’ – Mario Runkel

Group of machine users listening to an instructor in a training classroom.
Group of machine users listening to an instructor in a training classroom.
Oblique view from above: the instructor standing in the middle of a group, giving explanations.
Group listening to an instructor kneeling on a paving screed.
Outdoor scene of a group looking at a paving screed and listening to their instructor.
Detail view of a sensor
A Hamm roller in the sun.
The instructor explains with gestures; two other people at the right and left.

Feedback: here’s what the paving crew from Dr. Fink-Stauf has to say about the user-training course:

Group listening to an instructor in a storeroom.

‘This is the fourth training course I’ve been on, and I must say that I learned something new every time. In our everyday work, we face new challenges all the time – so of course we’ll all have questions. Thanks to the regular training courses here at the Wirtgen Group, we get lots of opportunities to fine-tune our knowledge and skills here and there. We can ask questions on the spot and get the answers right away – that’s a great help.’

– Stefan Schneider, road construction worker (left in photo). At Dr. Fink-Stauf since 2020.

‘At Dr. Fink-Stauf, we take part in these training courses on a regular basis – every year. And you take away something new from them every time – above all because of the new models and technologies added since the last course. I particularly liked the new design of the hardtop that now lets you directly integrate extra lights. We used to have to install them separately. This all makes our work on the construction site easier and ultimately has a positive impact on the quality of the paving results. On the whole, the training was really good.’

– Jens Weber, paving supervisor. Five years at Dr. Fink-Stauf, ten years in road construction.

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Screed operator Dominik Oberhauser (left) and paving supervisor Patrick Hänseler (right) being instructed on how to operate the screed.

‘We have two asphalt-construction teams at Dr. Fink-Stauf. And I’m on one of them. Training courses are absolutely essential for us. After all, there’s always something you might want to run through again. But what I personally really like is that here in the training programme you can go ahead and make mistakes on purpose and try things out. That’s a great way to gather experience. There’s no time for that in our daily work, and, of course, no one wants to make a mess of the paving.’

– Dominik Oberhauser, screed operator (left). Joined the asphalt-construction team around eight years ago, having worked for Dr. Fink-Stauf since 2004.

‘I simply like this kind of training. I also think a relaxed atmosphere is very important when you’re learning all sorts of new things. And then there’s the practical focus of it all, too. We are all from the construction business – so it’s good when you can just get on the machine and really put the things you’ve learned into practice.’

– Patrick Hänseler, deputy paving supervisor (right). Employed by the company since 2006 and a member of the asphalt-construction team for the past five years.

Knowledge is the key to long-term business success

The long-established construction contractor Dr. Fink-Stauf has been active in the Rheinisch-Bergischer Kreis region of North Rhine-Westphalia for over 100 years and realizes demanding construction projects for communal, commercial and private-sector clients. In addition to civil engineering, the contractor’s core competencies include road, motorway and airport construction. Today, the focus is not only on performance and efficiency but also, and above all, on sustainable quality. In addition to operating a fleet of state-of-the-art construction equipment, Dr. Fink-Stauf therefore consistently prioritises the training and professional development of its employees and regularly takes advantage of the training programmes offered by the Wirtgen Group.

‘It’s always great to see when users experience that special “WOW!” moment. I’m always pleased to hear that what users have learned here makes their lives easier later on.’

– Mario Runkel, instructor with 19 years of professional experience.

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Book your training course now

A training course at the Wirtgen Group always pays off. Only here can you learn how to exploit the maximum potential of your machine. And this enables you to cut your long-term costs where it really matters – on your projects. The investment pays for itself!

Are you interested in applications, operating and/or technical training? Take a look at our online training catalogue and find a course that meets your needs.