Continental employed 1,837 trainees in Germany in 2010. Around 80% of the trainees are learning technical and 20% commercial professions. Approximately 15% complete a dual program of study with a bachelor’s degree to effectively address the shortage of technical and management personnel.

In view of the economic recovery in the past year together with the growing significance of human resource development and staff retention, the number of developed programs offered as well as participant numbers have increased in some cases by as much as 50% compared to the prior year.

For example, 16 junior executives were placed as part of our “Cross-Move Initiative”. The participants take part in job rotation schemes in various task areas, at diverse locations and in different divisions. This enables them to build up a broad and solid experience background that prepares them for management tasks later on.

170 junior executives participated in our “Talent Diagnosis Process” incorporating an assessment center as well. The aim of the program is to identify those with high management potential and individually help them make the most of their strengths.

35 junior executives took part in our “International Management Program”. In this learning-by-action program, business school content is imparted to international participants, who also gain experience in solving real business problems within the framework of projects that are presented to the board members and senior executives at the end of the program.In 2010, Continental hired about 1,200 graduates and young professionals worldwide, with about 20% of these in Germany.