Portfolio Deep Dive

In times of a growing shortage of skilled workers, recruiting young talent is becoming increasingly important for companies. This is because the number of people in employment will continue to decline in the coming years due to demographic trends. Thus, it is all the more important for companies to attract talented young people at an early stage and retain them in the long term.

Early and proactive approach to young talents at H+E

The H+E Group has recognized this challenge and has placed a special focus on recruiting young talents in recent months. To this end, the company has proactively approached young talents in schools and at training fairs. H+E's HR managers took the opportunity to talk to them and present the attractive career opportunities at the company. In total, H+E was represented at five training fairs in 2024 and visited four regional schools. This resulted in a close exchange between the H+E Group and the responsible teachers at the secondary schools and vocational colleges in Sinsheim.

A major advantage of these formats is that the potential junior staff are approached very early on and, above all, in person. Mike Liphardt, Managing Director at H+E, comments: "We noticed that some students were already thinking very specifically about their career start and already had precise ideas. Others were sometimes still disoriented by the many options open to them. Overall, however, we noticed a great deal of interest in our company and the job profiles at H+E."

Successful filling of 5 training positions

This personal approach, combined with a targeted online presence - H+E recently revamped its careers website - and various print media campaigns, ensured that the apprenticeships were filled quickly and efficiently.

In total, more than 30 applications were received for the five training positions that H+E offers in five different professions: Process mechanic for plastics and rubber technology, machine and plant operator, warehouse logistics specialist, precision mechanic and industrial clerk. As the H+E Group is an industrial manufacturing company, there are numerous job profiles in the company that are still predominantly male-dominated. It is therefore particularly pleasing that the proportion of women among the new trainees is 20%.

Mike Liphardt, Managing Director at H+E, is very satisfied with the result: "By successfully filling all of our apprenticeship positions, we have taken a small but important step towards addressing the growing shortage of skilled workers in the future."

Long-term employee retention

In addition to the direct approach, it is crucial to position yourself as an attractive employer. This involves more than just offering free coffee and a fruit basket. Young people are not only looking for a secure job, but also the opportunity for personal and professional development. They find all of this at H+E. The company not only offers a respectful working environment, but also numerous opportunities for professional development. H+E attaches great importance to diversity, equal opportunities and open, team-oriented and constructive cooperation.

The H+E Group tries to offer all trainees a job after their apprenticeship and to provide them with targeted further development and support. In the technical area, this can be master class or technician courses and in the commercial area a subsequent dual study program. Further training programs are financially supported by H+E through training agreements and young people are tied to the company. Overall, the H+E Group attaches great importance to the further training and development of all its employees. To this end, regular training needs assessments are carried out, from which targeted further training measures are then derived and implemented. This is part of the H+E Group's corporate culture, which attaches great importance to employee loyalty and long-term service.

By successfully filling all apprenticeship positions for 2024, H+E has not only set the course for the future, but also contributed to securing the next generation of skilled workers in the long term. Blue Cap would like to take this opportunity to wish all new trainees at our portfolio companies an exciting and instructive time.