Trinseo, Evonik, Olin and Ravago, four manufacturing companies operating in the Rheinmünster Chemical Park, Germany, have joined forces in a bid to lure more young people into choosing chemical manufacturing as a profession.
As the need for qualified young talent is expected to soar over the next few years, the four partners have agreed to plan their personnel requirements together and to coordinate the training opportunities offered.
“The success and competitiveness of the chemical park and its companies depend heavily on how well we manage to meet the need for skilled workers in the long term,” Ralf Schneider, head of Rheinmünster Chemical Park, pointed out.
Currently, chemical laboratory technician and chemical technician apprenticeships are offered but the companies are examining whether these could be expanded to include training positions for jobs as electronics technicians or measurement and control technicians.
Cooperation on practical training is also part of the plan: "The chemical park will become a cross-company training centre in which all partners pool their resources and competencies," said Schneider. The trainees will be able to rotate through the different companies, to gain insight into the diversity of company models and cultures, technologies, products and fields of application.
Trinseo, Evonik, Olin and Ravago will also be bundling their recruitment marketing efforts, said Schneider. School partnerships, collaborations with educational institutions, the Chamber of Industry and Commerce and local companies, joint appearances at apprenticeships, campaign days and school internships, as well as a new website and increased presence on social media platforms, are all planned.
"It's about the career orientation phase," Schneider explained.
Implementation of the project is still at an early stage. However: “The beginning has been made. With the joint trainee program, we are pulling together and increasing the chances of attracting young specialists,” he said.