The whole world is in a state of constant transformation. Accelerated by technological progress as well as the climate change and decarbonization context, all sectors of the economy are under enormous pressure to adapt. In this regard, it is repeatedly pointed out that employees with a strong set of so-called future skills are particularly important for overcoming these challenges. Future skills are competencies that enable individuals to solve complex problems in a self-organized manner and to act (successfully) in highly emergent contexts.

The automotive industry in the Berlin-Brandenburg region is particularly affected by this transformation. On the one hand, it is characterized by many small and medium-sized service providers and component suppliers. On the other hand, with TESLA and its Gigafactory, the future has settled in the immediate neighborhood. In order to find sustainable ways to support companies in overcoming their challenges in this mixed situation, the Association of the Metal and Electrical Industry initiated a study at the bbw University of Applied Sciences, among others, to identify the future skills that are particularly important here.

This paper presents selected results from a range of different skills categories. In addition, approaches will be discussed on how universities of applied sciences can provide programs for existing employees and young academics that cover specific future skills. Both programs and didactic approaches are examined, and current examples of implementation are presented.

Keywords: 21st Century Skills, Manufacturing Industry, Further Academic Training, Higher Education, Problem-based Learning, Critical Thinking and Problem Solving.