Freight Forwarding Schuon Offers Disadvantaged Youths a Chance

For many years, Alfred Schuon GmbH has been committed to improving training and further education conditions in the region. An important support for those under 25 who cannot find an apprenticeship is the Entry Qualification Year (EQJ). With its subsidiary Professional Training Center GmbH (PTC), which supports job seekers in integrating into the labor market in collaboration with the surrounding job centers, the Haiterbach freight forwarder has now successfully implemented the model itself.

(Haiterbach) “The training market is undergoing significant structural changes. Many young people with university entrance qualifications are now opting for vocational training,” says Marissa Glaser, head of Professional Training Center GmbH. According to the report on the labor market situation by the Federal Employment Agency, this affected every fourth female and every fourth male applicant in 2020. Glaser knows: “Young professionals with low educational qualifications often fall through the cracks, even though they are excellently suited for the logistics industry due to their practical skills.”

Entry Qualification Year is a Good Thing

A valuable tool for young people who cannot find an apprenticeship despite placement is the Entry Qualification Year. This is a long-term internship funded by the employment agency for those under 25 without completed vocational training – with a clear institutional framework. “Duration and remuneration are legally defined. The salary is paid by the state, and the company covers the social security contributions,” explains Glaser. In addition to practical experience, young professionals also receive theoretical knowledge at vocational school. According to Glaser, the aim of the measure is the later transition into a regulated training relationship: “The time spent in the entry qualification and the school performance can be credited towards the duration of the apprenticeship.” There are also many advantages for companies: “Companies can get to know and develop the candidates in peace without committing themselves long-term. A win-win situation,” says the head of the PTC.

Model Successfully Implemented

The logistics service provider from Haiterbach has successfully implemented the model itself and will take on a young professional as an apprentice in the second year of training after successful EQJ at the start of training in September. Heike Kreidler, HR manager and training director at Alfred Schuon GmbH, reports: “Sometimes true potential only reveals itself upon closer acquaintance. Therefore, we also want to motivate other companies to give young people with initial difficulties a chance.”Photo: © Schuon / Caption: Marissa Glaser, head of Professional Training Center GmbH, is pleased about the successful Entry Qualification Year of Jeremy Rückriem, who will be taken on by Alfred Schuon GmbH as an apprentice in the second year in September.www.as-ptc.com