This dream has been put into practice by 17 graduates of professional training courses at Thomas GmbH. Among them were seven graduates of the Hessian qualification initiative “Pro-Certificate”, who achieved the certificate as qualified machine and plant operators. With a qualification quota of 12 percent including blue and white collar employees in Langenselbold, the globally active, independent manufacturer of metal components for the aerosol, cosmetics and pharmaceutical industries occupies a top position among medium-sized industrial companies in Hesse.
The Thomas GmbH honoured the graduates during a ceremony. Stefan Benito, Managing Director Sales and HR of Thomas GmbH, said: “We are proud of our graduates. Especially for us as a medium-sized company, qualification and further education of our employees matter most. We are particularly pleased when we open up new opportunities for employees who did not possess a certificate, but are committed.” The Hessian state government promoted education with so called education vouchers. The aim of the measure is to increase the development opportunities of low-skilled employees by giving them a degree and acquiring professional knowledge in their field of activity.
In close coordination with the educational partners, it has been possible to bring further qualification initiatives for Thomas GmbH and to have it take place in small groups in alternating shifts. “In this way we had a positive group dynamic in the teams and no production time was lost,” states the plant manager Steffen Kieslich and adds: “A probably unique combination of the requirements of shift operation with the theoretical training lessons.”
With its qualification campaign, Thomas GmbH continues to improve the high quality of its products and services. In addition, the conditions for future changes, in particular the introduction of new products and processes, which will bring increased challenges to the employees, are now based on a solid foundation. The range of qualification opportunities is widely diversified. In 2019, five employees of the quality control department completed courses of the TÜV for quality management specialists and qualified for the brand new automatic measuring equipment. Other employees completed courses to become accountants, industrial foremen and 3D printing specialists. Others in turn support the company’s vocational training by acquiring the qualification for coaching.
“Our principle is that every Thomas product is manufactured by a qualified expert. That is why we offer proven machine operators who have not yet obtained a professional degree corresponding to their job, a post-qualification as machine and plant operator,” Benito explains the company’s claim. The head of HR, Matthias Ganz, highlighted the importance of a good working atmosphere and teamwork, because “we are and will remain an attractive employer in the region.”
