Registration for next Henkel PSA Academy course

As a global leader in the adhesives market, and the only supplier offering the four main PSA technologies, Henkel is committed to supporting those working in the industry through a comprehensive training portfolio. In February 2017, the PSA Academy held its initial in-depth training session at the Henkel Hotmelt PSA Competence Center in Germany – with great success. The program is certified by the German Chamber of Commerce and Industry ‏(GCCI), ensuring high training quality. In their feedback, participants particularly stressed the high value of the practical training at the machines and the relevance of what they learned for their everyday work.

A practical and theoretical deep dive

The eight-day intensive course provides training, theory and tuition for the most common PSA technologies such as rubber-based hotmelts, solvent-based and water-based acrylics. In addition, participants also gain insights into currently fast-evolving technologies such as UV hotmelts. Gerald Hacker, Manager of the PSA Academy at Henkel, explains: “Our goal is for participants to be able to instantly apply the newly acquired insights and procedures in their daily work routines – this way, they achieve positive results right away.”

The knowledge about present and future technologies shared during the training courses is particularly relevant for machine operators, process engineers, laboratory staff as well as shift leaders, product developers, and quality control staff. Nevertheless, past courses have included participants with a wide range of job descriptions – from machine operators to CEOs. The program is directed towards industry professionals from the fields of manufacturing and converting of label laminates, adhesive tape manufacturing, production of specialized products based on PSA utilization, manufacturing of application and converting machinery, and supplies of raw materials. The topics covered include adhesive basics, coating and converting procedures, troubleshooting, practical error analysis, labels, adhesive tapes, specialized products, quality management, and European regulatory and legislative environments. A final exam concludes the courses, enabling participants to gain the “Technical Specialist in HM Press Sensitive Adhesives for Labels, Tapes and Special Applications ‏(GCCI)” certificate.

Expert-level conversations and practical training appreciated

The courses held so far at the PSA Academy have received very positive feedback. Participants highlighted the fruitful eye-level dialogs with the trainers and mentors with many years of practical industry experience. “The PSA Academy provides valuable insights, information and – most importantly – practical advice to meet required specifications and find quick solutions for problems if they occur. After I attended the training, I quickly realized that this knowledge is essential for all technicians who work with PSAs or UV hotmelts on a daily basis. The competence and openness of the instructors and laboratory staff paired with the well-rounded content and organization of the seminar left a lasting positive impression for me,” stated Thomas Herbert, Managing Director at Polyschaum Packtechnik und Isoliermaterial GmbH. High grades were also given for the practical training at the machines in the technical hub of Henkel’s Hotmelt Competence Center. One example of such training is typical troubleshooting at the coating machine. “Participants particularly valued the demonstration of simple and manual quality and functionality tests. These can be replicated easily in day-to-day application environments,” Hacker elaborates.

Looking forward to the next PSA Academies

The training courses take place in small groups to ensure personalized mentoring. The limited number of places are open for applicants from industry on a first-come, first-served basis. The next training session in English is scheduled from October 8 through 12 and November 12 through 14. The next German training course is planned for February and April 2019. Building on the program’s success and the high demand in other regions, Henkel is currently preparing an expansion of the PSA Academy to other continents.

For registration and further information, please visit www.pressure-sensitive-solutions.com/en/meta/academy.html.