New trainees for 2017

A group of 139 young people started their working lives today with Saarstahl AG and AG der Dillinger Hüttenwerke (Dillinger). The group includes 15 women and 17 participants in the intercultural BEST 2.0 career-entry program.⃰  At Saarstahl, 73 trainees are beginning a new phase of their lives: 67 in technical and industrial fields and 6 in business-related fields. Dillinger is employing 66 trainees this year, including 62 in technical and industrial fields and four in business-related fields. Saarland’s steel industry currently employs a total of 501 trainees when all class years are combined (Dillinger: 241; Saarstahl: 260).  

The new trainees were welcomed at a reception ceremony by their future training supervisors, Works Council members, youth representatives and the Labor Director. “We are delighted you have decided to pursue a career in Saarland’s steel industry, one of the most sought-after employers in the region. You are now part of a team that will help you achieve your very best. The multiple awards for the specialized knowledge and skills of our trainees are a testament to the high level of our training. So it is all here – make the most of your opportunity,” said Peter Schweda, Labor Director and Chief Human Resources Officer for Dillinger and Saarstahl, while addressing the attendees. “Day by day, our material – steel – makes the world a more comfortable place. Whether as a basis for efficient energy generation, for environmentally compatible mobility or for modern structures. Discover your own enthusiasm for steel, just as we all did so long ago. I wish you all the best for your future.” With these words Schweda sent the young recruits off for a three-day introduction program where they learn about basics such as workplace safety. 

Saarland’s steel industry has focused for many years on training its own pool of skilled workers, and it is one the region’s most important businesses providing vocational training. The training program includes around 15 career fields, from construction and process mechanics to mechatronics engineers and laboratory chemists. Dillinger and Saarstahl offer training to meet their own requirements and generally hire their trainees once training is completed.

As part of the training partnership program,10 trainees from other companies are completing training at Dillinger (8) and Saarstahl (2). In addition, the two companies offer 33 new interns (from technical colleges and as part of a one-year basic vocational training program) initial insight into the working world.

Prospective trainees for the next training year can visit the open house day at the respective training center on 30 September 2017 (Saarstahl Völklingen) and 28 October 2017 (Dillinger). More information can be found on the internet 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.

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