DSV Trains Young People in Need of Support

Together with the Vocational Training Center (BBW) Mosbach-Heidelberg, DSV Solutions in Vaihingen offers training in logistics for young people in need of support. Working in the logistics center of a global logistics service provider not only advances the young people’s professional skills but also boosts their self-esteem.

(Vaihingen) At DSV Solutions in Vaihingen, around 20,000 picking positions pass through the 40,000 m² logistics center every day. In the halls, skilled warehouse workers check the goods for quality upon receipt, record them in the inventory system, and prepare them for the next transport – they keep the supply chains running. Among them are also young people with special support needs, who are currently completing the practical part of their training at the Vaihingen location in cooperation with the Vocational Training Center (BBW) Mosbach-Heidelberg of the Johannes-Diakonie.

Jan Krumpietz trains young people to become skilled warehouse workers at the Vocational Training Center. Every Thursday, he comes to DSV Solutions in Vaihingen with five trainees to dive deep into the professional reality of a logistics company. “We want to prepare our trainees as well as possible for working life,” explains Krumpietz. Therefore, he is very grateful for the collaboration with DSV Solutions. Here, the BBW trainees are fully integrated into the company – they pick and pack goods, receive deliveries, and learn to operate forklifts and other equipment. Working for a global logistics service provider not only advances the young people’s professional skills but also boosts their self-esteem. “Everyone is really proud to be able to work here,” reports the trainer.

Deliberately Keeping Doors Open for the Next Generation

While many companies have scaled back their internship offerings during the Corona pandemic, DSV Solutions deliberately wants to keep the doors open for the next generation. This also applies to young people in need of support. “We want to give all young people a chance,” emphasizes Sina Scheytt, Operations Manager at the DSV location in Vaihingen. Behind this lies not only social responsibility but also very practical reasons. Corona and the growing online trade have further boosted the already prosperous logistics industry. The company is expanding its warehouse space – and the demand for workers is growing accordingly.

“The logistics industry offers good job prospects for our trainees,” confirms Christina Anger, BBW location manager in Heidelberg. And while many traditional trades are plagued by concerns about the next generation, entry into the logistics field is indeed of interest to young people. The number of trainees has remained high for years – with a tendency for further growth.

Chance for Continued Employment After Training

Stephan Manzeck enjoys working at DSV Solutions and has chances for continued employment after training

One of them is Stephan Manzeck. The young man independently drives a tow truck through the DSV halls and is visibly proud of it. Manzeck found his way into warehouse logistics through vocational pre-training at the BBW and also obtained his forklift license there. He can now complete the practical part of his training entirely at DSV Solutions. From his hometown of Pforzheim, he doesn’t have far to travel to work. “I liked the atmosphere here right away, and I’ve already learned a lot: unloading containers, packing and picking goods,” says Manzeck. “I could imagine working here even after my training.” The opportunity for a takeover after training is definitely given thanks to the collaboration between the Vocational Training Center and the company.

Photos: © Johannes-Diakonie