Althen Academy Days 2026: Knowledge Sharing, Hands-On Training and Team Spirit

The event was kicked off with an introduction followed by an icebreaker with a creative twist ... LEGO. Everyone was challenged to use LEGO bricks to express and connect Althen's core values (Entrepreneurial - Reliable - Human Centric - Innovative). This hands-on activity encouraged everyone to think creatively, explore our values, and connect what Althen stands for. It was a very engaging way to start the event, setting the tone for three days in which collaboration, creativity and knowledge sharing took centre stage.

One of the highlights of the Academy Days was the hands-on training delivered by ASC Sensors, led by Markus Nowack. The training stood out for its practical, application-driven approach. Rather than focusing solely on product specifications, the sessions demonstrated how sensor technologies can be applied to real measurement challenges, with particular attention to railway applications and bridge monitoring. We had the opportunity to explore sensor solutions in a practical context, connecting technical knowledge with the challenges engineers face in the field. The sessions were especially well received for their interactive format and direct relevance to customer applications.

On the second day, Mark Spreadbury from Positek delivered another valuable hands-on training session. This provided further insights into position sensing technology and its applications, expanding participants' technical knowledge and understanding of potential measurement solutions. The training reinforced an important principle at Althen: understanding the application is just as important as understanding the sensor.

Another central element of the Academy Days was the series of application stories presented by Althen's Sales Engineers. Throughout the event, colleagues shared real-world examples of measurement challenges, technical solutions and customer applications. The presentations covered a variety of topics and demonstrated the breadth of expertise available within the Althen organisation. Several stories stood out for their surprising applications, creative engineering approaches and practical insights. They also sparked valuable discussions among colleagues, allowing knowledge and experience gained in one market or project to be shared across the wider organisation.

Beyond the presentations and workshops, the Academy Days provided valuable opportunities for colleagues from different Althen branches to reconnect. Informal conversations, shared dinners and dedicated networking moments helped strengthen relationships and encouraged the exchange of ideas across teams and countries. The event concluded on Thursday with a pub quiz, bringing a fun and competitive element to the final day before the closing session. These informal moments were just as valuable as the technical programme, helping colleagues get to know one another better and reinforcing the sense of being part of one international Althen team.