20 new trainees at Evonik Stockhausen
Twenty young men and women are beginning their careers as trainees at Evonik Stockhausen GmbH. Managing director Willibrord Lampen welcomed the new employees and stressed the importance of the company’s program for training specialists and skilled workers. “Dedicated, highly qualified employees are and will remain the foundation of our company,” he said. “That’s why we place such a high priority on an excellent, in-house training program.”
In addition to chemical technicians, chemical laboratory scientists, industrial merchants, information technology specialists, warehouse logistics engineers and an electrician specializing in automation technology, two chemical merchants are also beginning their occupational training this year. While they receive practical training in the chemical laboratory, the new employees also attend classes at the technical college for economics and management. This two-tiered program ensures the participants are not only well versed in chemistry, but highly qualified business experts as well. This year’s crop of trainees also includes two female students who are learning professions that were previously the exclusive domain of male employees – namely an industrial mechanic and a warehouse logistics specialist. “I chalk that up to the success of or Girls’ Day program,” said Peter Kappers, an instructor for chemical technicians. “We have been participating in this orientation program for many years now, and always make it a point to emphasize that so-called ‘men’s jobs’ might also be interesting for young women.”
The training program traditionally begins with an introductory seminar lasting several days. It includes round-table discussions and workshops designed to prepare the young people for this important new stage of their lives. They are also familiarized with the tasks and projects of the company’s various departments. The new trainees first visited the Krefeld site last June. “They always have a lot of questions during the initial few days,” said training officer Dr. Annette Gollek, “so we invite them to visit the site beforehand for an orientation seminar and to meet their superiors and co-workers.” This year, the trainees’ parents were also invited. The orientation seminar was also of interest to them – “after all, they want to know where their children will be working from now on,” Gollek said.
The site has a long history of training specialists in commercial, scientific and technical professions. This year’s new crop brings the current number of trainees at the plant to 70.
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