Nine young professionals started with us this month with the Welcome Days – as office management assistants, IT specialists for system integration and as students of business administration, trade fair, congress and event management. Britta Arndt-Porsch, our head of training, gives you an insight into the three-day welcome program for our newcomers.
Britta Arndt-Porsch with apprentices and students at the “Einstieg” careers fair.
What is on the program for our youngsters during the Welcome Days?
It's a colorful mix of get-to-know-you games and rounds of introductions from the HR department, management and the works council. There are also practical instructions. These include picking up employee cards, getting laptops, getting to know our company canteens or IT training. The highlight at the end of the third day is our scavenger hunt on the premises. I am usually only present at the Welcome Days for the welcome address, the exchange about expectations of training and studies, the daily closing and feedback rounds and, of course, as a backup in case support is needed.
The Welcome Days have become a tradition at our company. What is the secret of their success?
The Welcome Days are organized by older trainees and students. They are much closer to the newcomers than I am in terms of their experiences, are much more aware of the challenges that may arise at the beginning of an apprenticeship and, thanks to their age, are able to address the newcomers in a completely different way. Another positive example in which our apprentices and students are in the lead is the Stuzubi and Einstieg fairs on our premises. They organize the stand for these events independently and are also the first point of contact for potential applicants on site.
Britta Arndt-Porsch with apprentices and students at the “Einstieg” careers fair.
Personal encounters count when it comes to recruitment – just like at our fairs.
Our nine newcomers at this year's Welcome Days.
Have you already been able to acquire new recruits through this?
Yes, two of our new recruits who have just started with us found out about us through our stands at these two job fairs. I think that's a great result. It illustrates two things: personal encounters count when it comes to recruitment – just like at our fairs. Our older trainees and students quickly strike up conversations with interested young professionals at the exhibition stands and can provide very authentic reports about the training opportunities we offer. Even in the age of digitalization, personal encounters are important.
On day two of Welcome Days, there is a lunch with the training officers. Does every newcomer at Messe Frankfurt have their own training officer?
In each of our training departments, there are representatives who are responsible for the professional instruction of our trainees and students. They are the main points of contact and a very important pillar in ensuring training at Messe Frankfurt. The training officers of the first department to deploy them are present at the Welcome Days, so that the start on the first “real” working day can be well organized.
Is the shortage of skilled workers also noticeable in our company when it comes to finding young talent?
Yes, absolutely. The number of applicants has been declining in recent years. There is currently a shift in demand towards IT. In addition, the attractiveness of individual training occupations is shifting, especially away from the classic commercial area. However, our training occupations and courses of study in the event and communications area are still in demand.
Ms. Arndt-Porsch, thank you very much for the interview!
