Sustainability Report 2016 / 2017

Prevent Skilled Labor Shortage In April 2016 Werner & Mertz entered into a training partnership with the Gustav-Stresemann Wirtschaftsschule (GSW). Classes from GSW have visited Werner & Mertz several times in past years to take a look at life and work at the family-owned and operated company based in Mainz. Late last year a seminar for GSW faculty was held at the corporate headquarters. Favorably impressed by the cooperation, school administrators asked the Mainz manufacturer to form a training partnership and quickly received a positive response from Werner & Mertz. Under the terms of the agreement, Werner & Mertz and GSW will in- tensify their cooperative efforts. Among other things, they will de- velop teaching units dealing with sustainability and environmen- tal protection. The objective is to forge a link between theory and practice for selected topics. The partners’ shared goal is a long-term collaborative project over several years. They will use practical training projects to show students the variety of professions and trades open to them and provide guidance with the selection of their future occupations. One year earlier in May 2015, a training partnership agreement was made with the Steinhöfelschule in Mainz. With this initiative we want to act in time to avoid a potential lack of skilled workers, particularly in commercial positions. The idea for training partnerships originated with IHK Rheinhessen, which is help­ ing companies in the region with timely searches for suitable trainees and apprentices. Within the scope of training partnerships, companies can become acquainted with potential trainees and recruit them. In the process they can reduce personnel recruiting costs and fill training vacancies. The schools benefit from the strong link to practical work and personal contacts in the business world. Students have an easier time making the successful transition into vocational education. 99 Employees Agreement has been made for the new training partnership between Werner & Mertz and the Gustav-Stresemann-Wirt­ schaftsschule. Trainees hired as permanent employees 2012 2013 2014 2015 Completed training 14 6 12 11 Hired 10 5 7 8 Hiring rate 71% 83% 58% 73% Contracts offered 12 6 7 8