In the electrical and electronics industry, continuing education has become an important factor for both companies and their staff. Siemens is now spending an amount equivalent to 3.7% of the wages and salaries bill on staff training. The continuing education of staff in technical occupations may be divided into the categories of technical training, general training and management training. To warrant the expenditure involved, exacting demands are placed on the company's continuing education programmes. Apart from participation in courses, individual learning at the workplace plays a vital part in the success of continuing education. The example of Siemens clearly shows that a wide variety of in-house and external training opportunities is essential to tailor continuing education to individual training requirements.