The journey continues: Graduation ceremony at the Education Center
At the graduation ceremony at the Freudenberg Training Center, the focus is on the years of training and study that have come to an end as well as looking ahead to the future of work. In mid-December, Freudenberg held an official graduation ceremony to congratulate its newly qualified trainees on their achievements. Also invited to the Weinheim Training Center (BIZ) were the graduates whom the BIZ had prepared for their professional careers on behalf of other companies over the past few years.
Raúl González, Head of the BIZ, was delighted to report that the Rhine-Neckar Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK) had recognized three of the trainees supervised by his team as the best in their respective apprenticeships: Johannes Bernhard and Elias Kohl from the Freudenberg Group and Timo Hering from network partner HMR.
David Schilling took the floor on behalf of the graduates: “When we look back on the last few years today, we can be really proud of what we have achieved. It has been a journey full of growth, challenges and valuable experiences. We have not only been given the opportunity to develop professionally, but also to grow personally. Thank you very much for this great time and the shared experiences. I always felt that I was in good hands.” He appealed to his young colleagues: “Let's be courageous, open to new things and always believe that the journey will continue.”
Freudenberg Management Board member Esther Loidl had already made the same point in her welcome address. A thirst for knowledge and the willingness to broaden one's horizons and learn new skills are essential for the rest of one's professional life, she said. Loidl drew parallels with the company's history: “Change is also part of our company's program.” It is also a good tradition at Freudenberg to invest in the training of young people and to fill management positions up to the Board of Management from within the company.
The topic of change was also the focus of the keynote speech, for which the BIZ had invited an external speaker. Frank Eilers, podcaster and keynote speaker for work, digitalization and artificial intelligence (AI), captivated the guests from the first to the 45th minute. “If you want to be an innovation leader, there's no getting around AI,” he explained. As a first step, this requires fundamentally questioning and transforming existing processes and business models. Only then can AI be a valuable means to an end, solve problems and make work processes more effective, efficient and efficient. AI can best unfold its benefits in a working environment characterized by trust. It is about trusting employees to take responsibility, giving them room to maneuver and developing their creative potential. “Then a culture is created in which technology helps us.”
The concluding reception provided an opportunity to exchange views on Eiler's inspiring and pointed presentation on the future of work - and to reminisce about the one or other anecdote from his time as a trainee and student.