Print version Recommend this page Press release
20/ 2008
Bonn, 15.05.2008
Explaining the latest photo technology competently to customers - New recognized occupation Fotomedienfachmann / Fotomedienfachfrau
Nowadays, digital photography is both simple and complicated: Computers and colour printers have taken over the work of the photo lab, but transferring image data from the camera to the computer can certainly be tricky. Sometimes the quality is poor because the image data wasn't sufficiently adjusted to the output devices, and many times the instruction manual for the camera poses a real challenge for users. Customized information and competent advice on how to use the latest photo technology can save amateur photographers a lot of time and frustration. However, professionals need expert assistance too. Which is why the ability to provide competent advice and information is at the heart of the new recognized occupation Fotomedienfachmann/Fotomedienfachfrau (approximate translation: photo media specialist) which can be learned in Germany's 'dual' vocational training system (which combines part-time vocational schooling with practical work experience). These specialists have extensive technical know-how which they use in ways that are tailored to the individual customer's needs. Once they have completed their training, individuals who have earned this demanding technical qualification can work in the retail or wholesale sector, photo labs or for image processing equipment manufacturers.
The training regulations for the new Fotomedienfachmann/Fotomedienfachfrau occupation will go into effect on 1 August 2008. The Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training (BIBB) developed these regulations on behalf of the Federal Ministry of Economics and Technology and in collaboration with experts from this field and from labour and management. Parallel to this, Germany's Länder (states) developed the framework curriculum for the required instruction at part-time vocational school. The training for this occupation takes three years.
Photo media specialists never really stop learning: Products and imaging technology are constantly changing. And there are always new trends in consumer behaviour. Photo media specialists have to keep tabs on these developments, analyze them and then, based on this information, adjust the range of goods and services they offer to reflect the needs of the market. These specialists also have to have a firm grasp of the basics of running a business: from sales contracts to advertising, marketing and inventory management all the way to assortment management, and controlling. A practical knack and the ability to work as a member of a team are - in addition to technical understanding and the ability to think in commercial terms - are absolute prerequisites for these qualified specialists.
This new recognized occupation was designed to support the efforts undertaken by small and medium-sized enterprises to hold their own in a technically demanding and fast-changing business environment by offering competent advice and guidance. Customers need information and assistance in order to find their way in this sector's often maze-like range of products and services. They want individualized advice and are willing to pay extra for it.
The new recognized occupation Fotomedienfachmann/Fotomedienfachfrau is also intended to give businesses in the retail trade an opportunity to offset the Internet's price advantages by offering closer proximity to the customer, customer focus and tailored, competent services.
Further information is available on the BIBB website at www.bibb.de/de/29245.htm
and at www.bvt-ev.de
Point of contact for information at BIBB:
Benedikt Peppinghaus; Tel.: +49 (0) 228 107-2425; E-mail: peppinghaus@bibb.de
