2018 Trainees Start

The excitement and anticipation were positively palpable: A total of 157 young people started their working lives today at Saarstahl AG and "AG der Dillinger Hüttenwerke" (Dillinger).

Among them are 23 women and 19 participants from the BEST 2.0 intercultural career entry program.⃰ At Saarstahl, 82 trainees are beginning this new phase of their lives: 74 in technical and industrial vocations and 8 in commercial fields. This year Dillinger is taking on 75 trainees, 70 of them in technical and industrial vocations and 5 in commercial fields. Saarland’s steel industry employs 501 trainees (Dillinger: 241/Saarstahl: 260) across all training years.

Peter Schweda, Labor Director and Human Resources Director of Dillinger and Saarstahl, was eager to use the opportunity to personally welcome the new trainees together with their trainers, Works Council members and youth representatives. "We are delighted that you have chosen a career in Saarland’s steel industry. We are one of the most sought-after employers in the region because we place a high priority on qualified training. We offer you state-of-the-art training facilities, a collegial working atmosphere and competent trainers who will turn you into qualified specialists – specialists with the best prospects for exciting career paths within the steel companies," Schweda said. "Become a part of our team. We offer you an optimal start to your professional life – seize your opportunities."

With these words Schweda sent the young recruits into a three-day camp where trainers and apprentices get to know each other in a relaxed atmosphere as well as where the first basic aspects of their future career, e. g. occupational safety, are also taught.

The steel industry in Saarland has relied for many years now on a strong pool of young skilled workers and it is among the most important training organizations in the region. The training program comprises around 15 occupations, from design and process mechanics to mechatronics technicians and chemical laboratory assistants. Dillinger and Saarstahl offer training to meet their own requirements and generally hire their trainees once training is completed.

As part of the joint affiliate training program, 27 trainees from other companies are completing training at Dillinger (16) and Saarstahl (11). In addition, the two companies offer 40 new interns (from technical colleges and as part of a one-year basic vocational training program) initial insight into the working world.

New campaigns and events offer information

A new campaign called “Stahlbunt fürs Leben” (Steel diversity for life) focuses on the variety and attractiveness of an apprenticeship in Saarland’s steel industry. A few days ago, the associated website – www.stahlbunt-fuers-leben.de – was launched with an abundance of information, films and statements from trainees.

Those interested in the next training year can also visit the “Open House Day” at the respective training centers on 22 September 2018 (Saarstahl Völklingen) and 20 October 2018 (Dillinger), or obtain information online at www.saarstahl.com and www.dillinger.de.

_{⃰  BEST 2.0 is the “career-entry program of Saarland’s steel industry,” where refugees and Germans who do not yet have training positions are prepared for careers.}

Overview