Bielefeld, November 2020: Almost one year ago the Seidensticker Group celebrated its 100th anniversary. On the occasion of this anniversary, the family business initiated a “Young Workers” programme at its own production facility in Indonesia. This in-plant training programme for young people between 15 and 18 years of age was initiated by the non-governmental organisation Save the Children.
In the meantime, the “In-Factory Youth Development Programme” has been launched. Three “Young Workers” have successfully completed the pilot programme in 2020. And that’s only the beginning, many more are supposed to follow.
“We deliberately pushed this project forward even during the pandemic. Problem areas apart from the effects around COVID–19 may not become an unimportant marginal issue. Especially now in the middle of the crisis it is important to provide support where it is urgently needed,” says Gerd Oliver Seidensticker, executive partner of the Seidensticker Group.
The trainee programme, which introduces young people for everyday working life with all its facets, lasts six months. Next to specific production knowledge also “soft skills” in order to realise career opportunities are taught. Taking part in workshops, the trainees learn how to handle finances and digital media in a correct way. Basic knowledge concerning language and mathematics is also part of the training. An essential part of the trainee programme is also providing general information on risk prevention. In this way, for example, awareness of bullying and discrimination at the workplace or of working methods that are harmful to health is raised in preparation for the further career path.
At the end of the trainee programme, the “Young Workers” will be deployed in the company for at least two further years where selected personnel will help and support them intensively. “It is a pleasure to see how young people get a basis for their future and how they use this opportunity. We will definitely continue this project in order to make a contribution to reducing youth unemployment in Indonesia and to give even more young people these development opportunities in a safe working environment,” says Frank Seidensticker, executive partner.
About the Seidensticker Group:
he Seidensticker group of companies was founded in 1919 in Bielefeld and employs approximately 2,400 employees worldwide. The group manufactures approx. 10 million pieces per year. The company is 100% family owned. The group of companies is managed by the Executive Partners Frank and Gerd Oliver Seidensticker – together with Dr. Silvia Bentzinger (CEO), Dr. Marc Barrantes (CF) and Dr. Horst Gersmeyer (COO).
Media Contact:
Textilkontor Walter Seidensticker GmbH & Co. KG
Anne Ernst
Tel.: +49 521 306 334
a.ernst@seidensticker.de