Vocational Training Cooperation

Objective

To provide youth in Spain with vocational training, international experience and employment perspectives at a BASF production plant in Germany.

Overview and Main Activities

BASF’s vocational training pilot programme is based on the German model of dual vocational training, and, in particular, on the training of the Chemical Process Worker, the “Chemikant“. It includes practices common to the theoretically-based Spanish vocational training system designed to train chemical process workers. The programme is unique, combining theoretical and practical training, as well as on-the-job training. German language courses give the participants a complete overview and very good preparation for their subsequent job experiences in Germany.

Theoretical lessons and German language courses take place at the vocational school in Tarragona. Practical training alternates between two locations: BASF in Spain (three months) and Germany (six months). The duration of the programme is two and a half years. After successful completion of the programme, participants receive full-time placement at the production plant at the Ludwigshafen site of BASF SE (headquarters) in Germany.

A buddy system between Spanish participants and German apprentices helps Spanish participants integrate with and get to know German culture. The pairs chat and phone on a regular basis, and when the Spanish participants are at the Ludwigshafen site, the German apprentices help in orienting them to the company and the region.

The 2014 group has started the vocational training cooperation with Spain. Since the practical phase of the programme has already taken place in Ludwigshafen, Spanish participants have already got to know their future plants, colleagues and boss at the Ludwigshafen site. All parties agree that there is deep commitment on both sides.

The programme is conducted in partnership with the Spanish Ministry of Education and vocational and language schools.

Success Factors and Challenges

Most critical success factors:

• Content of the initiative
• Credibility of the initiative (copied success model from Germany)
• Motivation of participants
• Support of Spanish government

Main challenges:

• German-language proficiency for assignment in Germany
• Willingness to immigrate from Spain to Germany
• Recruiting participants who are motivated to learn a new language and move to a new country

Recommendations for Others

Crucial for success is early exchange and dissemination of information to and cooperation with all partners involved. In addition, vocational training with the goal of migrating to a foreign country must be seen as a positive goal for the participants and not as a dangerous brain drain by Spain. Therefore, the role of the Spanish government is crucial in the project. In the case of BASF, all partners have seen the project as chance for every party involved to benefit.

Replicability and Scalability

How easily could other organizations implement this initiative?
Difficult: BASF is a global company, and stakeholders can easily cooperate within the organization over countries and with already known partners.

How easily can this initiative be expanded to include a larger number of participants?
Easy: Expansion is possible when jobs at BASF Ludwigshafen can be assigned. However, too many participants may give the impression of “stealing” workers.

About the Organization

Website: www.basf.com
Sector: Chemicals
Size (number of employees): 100,000+
Headquarters: Ludwigshafen, Germany

For Further Engagement

Contact name: Dr. Jürgen Kipper
Contact position: Head of Vocational Training Production Services
Email: [email protected]