Apprentice Days 2024: Three days full of impressions and ideas
At the end of October 2024, the apprentice days took place at RKW for the first time. A total of around 75 apprentices and trainers from all RKW locations in Germany took part in the event.
For years, we have been offering apprenticeships in a range of different occupations at our German locations. Our apprentices are an integral part of the workforce and important for the future of RKW – they are our junior staff of tomorrow.
From rubber technologists to media technologists and logistics specialists, everyone was there! The apprentice days took place in a hotel near the Michelstadt site. In a first get-together, the participants from the various locations were able to exchange ideas and get to know each other better.
The apprentice get-together was also used to discuss in a workshop with the participants how RKW can increase its attractiveness as an employer for the young target group.
On the second day, the apprentices took a bus to Michelstadt to give them an insight into production at a different RKW site. After being welcomed at the plant, the apprentices and trainers were given a tour. They also heard a fascinating keynote speech about the future of the world of work and the influence of different generations when working together.
Time to plan the future of RKW!
As part of a simulation game, the trainees took on roles from various departments in our company. The R&D (Research & Development) department, for example, came up with an innovative product, while the HR department group thought about how to get new trainees excited about an apprenticeship at RKW and which processes could be improved in the process. In addition to the departments mentioned, there were also IT, purchasing, sales, marketing, production, logistics, maintenance and management. Each group contributed creative ideas and suggestions for improvement.
The feedback from the apprentices and trainers was consistently positive. During the apprentice days, everyone was able to learn new things, exchange thoughts and ideas, and expand their network within RKW.