On-the-Job Training for an IHK Certificate Sets Standards All Across Germany

The "IHK Skilled Rubber and Plastics Processing" certification program sponsored by the Chamber of Industry & Commerce (IHK) allows companies customized qualification that is geared to practical requirements and recognized nationwide. The pilot project at Continental AG's Korbach plant was developed in close cooperation with the IHK Kassel and DIHK-Bildungs-GmbH in Bonn. In cooperation with their local chamber of industry & commerce, interested companies can adapt the on-the-job training to their particular needs.

The intention of the qualification initiative was to enable select high-performers to complete a certified course of training. This certification supplements "learning on the job“ with broadly based, practical qualification. In this way, employees can enhance their lifelong employability and expand their range of assignment opportunities within the company, extending even beyond the plant at which they currently work.

IHK training is designed as a “key to business excellence”, in line with the motto "Fostering employee development – Nurturing employee commitment". Anyone with a solid occupational background can take part. It is not necessary to have completed professional training. At the Korbach, Aachen and Hanover-Stöcken, Hanover-Vahrenwald, Northeim and Hamburg Harburg plants, the first participants have already started or completed their qualification training, clearly demonstrating how the idea of lifelong learning can be made a reality.