Together against youth unemployment and skills shortage: thyssenkrupp Materials Services and JOBLINGE continue to join forces

• Collaboration to place disadvantaged young people in the labor market extended for another year

• thyssenkrupp Materials Services provides 1:1 mentoring and application support in the search for an apprenticeship

• JOBLINGE contributes its expertise in job placement, thyssenkrupp Materials Services offers internships and apprenticeships as well as insights into career fields

More than one in two companies in Germany considers the shortage of skilled workers to be one of the greatest business risks. These are the results of the latest economic survey conducted by the German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DIHK) in February. There are approximately 260,000 unfilled apprenticeships in Germany, while about 180,000 unemployed people are looking for an apprenticeship. To help close this skills gap, thyssenkrupp Materials Services has become a regional partner of the non-profit organization JOBLINGE. After a successful start in 2023, the cooperation has now been extended for another year. The focus of the cooperation is on placing young people in apprenticeships who are often at a disadvantage in the application process due to their social or migration background.

As one of the world's leading mill-independent materials distribution and service providers with around 16,000 employees - about 6,000 of them in Germany - thyssenkrupp Materials Services sees itself as a responsible member of society. In line with its sustainability strategy "BEYOND", the company is committed to promoting education, diversity and equal opportunities. This is where the JOBLINGE initiative comes in: Together with its partners from business, government and the private sector, it helps disadvantaged young people between the ages of 18 and 27 to find an apprenticeship.

Martin Stillger, CEO of thyssenkrupp Materials Services, emphasizes: "Everyone deserves the chance to participate in the labor market. In a society based on respect and dignity, treating people without prejudice must be a matter of course. For us, the cooperation with JOBLINGE is an important part of the social responsibility, we are pursuing as part of our sustainability strategy 'BEYOND'."

Raphael Karrasch, Managing Director of JOBLINGE, explains: "thyssenkrupp Materials Services lives and breathes responsibility for the Ruhr Area in Germany. They create social justice by setting a good example. At the same time thyssenkrupp Materials Services recognizes the skills shortage and is taking a preventative approach with us in activating future skilled workers. This is important for the entire German economy and is the only way to create economic stability and social cohesion."

As part of the cooperation, thyssenkrupp Materials Services employees volunteer to take part in the JOBLINGE mentoring program. Over a period of four to six months, they each mentor a young person who has not yet succeeded in entering the job market on his or her own. The goal is to find an apprenticeship. As experienced professionals, the mentors provide guidance and support on career development and entry into the workforce. Following the successful completion of the first mentoring program, the second round is currently underway.

In addition to mentoring, other thyssenkrupp Materials Services employees act as contact persons and experts at application days and training sessions organized by JOBLINGE. Open days and plant tours at thyssenkrupp Materials Services give young adults insights into the working world of a corporate group. In addition, thyssenkrupp Materials Services offers disadvantaged young people real career opportunities through internships and apprenticeships. thyssenkrupp Materials Services also supports the non-profit organization JOBLINGE with donations.