Their own training programme, a complete vocational school class and endless applications. These are just some of the cornerstones of „Mach dein ZINQ“, the training initiative by Voigt & Schweitzer. On 25 November, the corporate group received an award for their project – the "Ausbildungs-Ass 2013" (Training Ace 2013) in Gold.

The award is presented annually by the Junior Economic Council of Germany and the Junior Craftsmen's Association, under the patronage of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Technology, to companies and initiatives that distinguish themselves through special commitment to vocational training. Creativity, quality, and quantity of training activities and methods are the criteria for evaluation.

„The training of young people has traditionally held great importance for us. Voigt & Schweitzer supports and challenges young talent. With our „Mach dein ZINQ“ project, we have succeeded in increasing application rates and the initial qualifications of interested parties, without glossy advertising, but with authenticity and originality,“ says Lars Baumgürtel, Managing Partner at Voigt & Schweitzer, upon receiving the award at the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Technology.

This year alone, over 300 young candidates applied for five commercial apprenticeships. The HR department received 533 applications from interested individuals for a vocational apprenticeship as a process mechanic for coating technology with a focus on hot-dip galvanising. Voigt & Schweitzer initiated the apprenticeship as a specialised training for the industry in 2001 and started with 18 apprentices, as – unlike in the field of electroplating – there was no existing training course for hot-dip galvanising.

Today, the ZINQ Group, with its commercial apprentices, fills a complete vocational school class in Gelsenkirchen every year.

What began as a new intake of apprentices every three years has now been offered annually since 2012. In addition to vocational training, Voigt & Schweitzer also offers the option of a dual study programme. Over the past five years, 70 of the % trainees have been taken on permanently, whilst 10 of the former industrial trainees are now in management positions within production. When it comes to recruitment, Mach dein ZINQ combines traditional recruitment methods – in collaboration with the Jobcentre and the Chamber of Industry and Commerce – with an online campaign: On the campaign website www.mach-dein-zinq.com Everything related to apprenticeships, including current blog posts, information about apprenticeships, and YouTube videos about apprenticeships and production processes, is clearly presented. The special thing about it: The website is designed and managed exclusively by our own apprentices.

Voigt & Schweitzer was also selected for this by the jury from 185 applications.