Sound training has always been at the top of the agenda at Stadtwerke Gießen (SWG). For good reasons: Firstly, as one of the largest companies in the region, SWG assumes social responsibility and gives school leavers a good start to their careers. On the other hand, the municipal utilities are counteracting the shortage of skilled labour in this way. "Those who regularly look after their own junior staff largely save themselves the time-consuming search for qualified personnel," says Ruth Biehl-Franze, Head of Training, explaining the strategy behind this.
This year, eleven young men and women started their careers at the regional energy supplier with an official welcome from Matthias Funk, SWG's Chief Technical Officer. The young people opted for apprenticeships as plant mechanics in plant construction (AM), electronics technicians for industrial engineering (EB), pool attendants (FAB), industrial clerks (IKF/IKM), machine and plant operators (MAF), IT specialists for system integration (FISI) and automotive mechatronics technicians (KFZ). This year, SWG is also working with MIT.BUS to offer a young man an entry-level qualification as a professional lorry driver (BKF).
In keeping with tradition, the SWG newcomers got to know the company in a fast-paced introductory week. This allowed them to make their first contacts with other trainees. "We've had good experiences with making it easy for our new recruits to get to know the company and thus reduce any fear of contact. The induction week has proven to be an ideal tool for this over many years," explains Ruth Biehl-Franze.
Not just specialised knowledge
Depending on the profession, the new trainees spend between three and three and a half years acquiring the necessary skills for their future careers. The SWG managers are not just interested in imparting specialised knowledge. "We also attach great importance to commitment, interest, curiosity, a sense of responsibility and the ability to work in a team," summarises Ruth Biehl-Franze.
However, the SWG trainers do not only pass on their expertise to SWG trainees. For many years now, other commercial and industrial companies in the region have taken the opportunity to send their trainees to Stadtwerke Gießen to complete certain training modules. "It is particularly difficult for smaller companies to offer the full range of required content. That's where we are happy to step in," says training supervisor Georg Erb, explaining the principle.
The resulting exchange has proven its worth and brings benefits for all involved. "We also always learn something new from the trainees who come to us from other companies and bring their experience with them," continues Georg Erb.