At the end of July, nine trainees started their careers at Stadtwerke Gießen (SWG) during an induction week. "In recent years, we have always had very good experiences with this familiarisation phase before the actual start of training, because we meet the young people where they are. Most of them have just finished school and joining a large company brings with it heart palpitations and major changes," explains SWG training manager Ruth Biehl-Franze.
In a small team, the young people start by getting to know each other in detail. They discover their own potential and the company's potential, define their expectations and wishes, formulate their own goals and learn about SWG's objectives. During a "scavenger hunt", the young people get to know important positions in the company. They also have to solve tasks from different areas of Stadtwerke Gießen. Ruth Biehl-Franze explains: "The commercial trainees should get a taste of the work of a technician. And for the technical trainees, it's important that they know how to answer the phone properly and pass on enquiries." Knowledge about rights and obligations, data protection and safety round off the comprehensive programme. The final part of the programme is a "round trip" with all SWG trainees to the most important technical facilities and external sites, such as the gas tank, the water tank, the Ringallee bathing centre, the combined heat and power plants and the waterworks in Queckborn. During the five days, the trainees not only get to know SWG and their new colleagues, but also themselves. The training manager emphasises: "We believe it is extremely important to define your own aspirations and to consider where you want to be after your training and what you expect from Stadtwerke Gießen as a trainee."
Well-trained specialists for the energy transition
On 1 August, the nine young people began their official training as industrial clerks, electronics technicians for industrial engineering, plant mechanics and pool attendants. Depending on the job profile, their training will last between two and three and a half years.
"We would like to welcome all new trainees to the company once again and wish them every success and enjoyment as they start their careers," says Ruth Biehl-Franze. She is convinced: "The energy market is undergoing radical change and an exciting time awaits us. Training at Stadtwerke Gießen should give young people the opportunity to actively contribute to the energy transition and lay a stable foundation for their professional life. For the future, we need well-trained young people who can develop the ideas that will help us master the challenges."