Despite dark rain clouds over the Port of Hamburg, old and new companions of the integrative training programme VTG RailTrain did not miss the opportunity to celebrate the inauguration of the modernized workshop on the Blohm+Voss premises together with the training team and the apprentices.

The first steps towards the modernization were already taken in 2021, after organisational changes in the training programme were followed by adjustments to the workshop equipment. “A six-figure sum had to be approved for the modernization,” Thomas Mombrei, head of the VTG RailTrain programme, explained to the guests present. But thanks to short and pragmatic consultations with the VTG leadership team, the costs were quickly approved. “And we were able to realise the modernization as planned in 2022,” says Thomas.

New equipment and much of the apprentices´ own work

The RailTrain team and the apprentices are not only happy about a new band saw, new drilling machines and “a really special CNC milling machine”, but also about four fully equipped welding cabins for all common welding methods as well as the installation of a soundproof room for grinding and cutting work.

According to Thomas, a special highlight of the conversion is also the personal commitment of the apprentices: “We were particularly pleased that the additional equipment, such as the welding tables, were all built by our apprentices themselves.” In addition, he explained to the guests that, thanks to the conversion, the workshop is now also an approved examination workshop of the Hamburg Chamber of Commerce.

Finding the right language

Ties Rabe, Hamburg’s Senator for School and Vocational Training, also did not miss the opportunity to get a personal impression of the new workshop. In his speech, Rabe not only outed himself as a big model railway fan (“I’m the only railwayman in the Hamburg government!”), but also paid tribute to the achievement of the entire training team: “I’d like to thank the trainers who managed to find the right language with the young people.”

In addition to Rabe and Dr. Heiko Fischer, former CEO of VTG, initiator and patron of VTG RailTrain, Sven Wellbrock, the VTG Managing Director responsible for the department, also took the time to drop by in person. In his speech, he explained that VTG RailTrain was not just about countering the impending shortage of skilled workers in the coming decades, but also about taking responsibility: “As a company, we want to be a role model in enabling young adults to participate in society in a sustainable way.”

Successful model with showcase character

When the integrative training programme started in 2017 with the first 7 apprentices, no one knew where the journey would lead. The programme, which enables up to 10 teenagers and young adults each year to enter the world of work who would have fewer opportunities elsewhere, relies on a special training concept. In addition to the technical training, the trainees at RailTrain are individually supported in social, language and general education skills.

This special commitment is paying off: since 2017, a total of 67 young people have started their training at VTG RailTrain, 27 of whom have already successfully completed their training with a skilled worker certificate. “This is an impressive result, especially when you consider the adverse conditions and negative side effects under which some started their training,” explained Thomas Mombrei.

He also took this opportunity to thank his team consisting of André Grote, training manager, Carsten Schreiber, social supervisor, Abdulai Jallah, trainer, and Stefan Wollherr, training supervisor: “Anyone who experiences what you achieve every day – also in what diversity – knows where RailTrain’s success comes from.” He then concluded by addressing the former apprentices who had accepted the invitation to attend the celebration: “It is a pleasure and a confirmation of our work to see you here today – successful in your profession and with both feet firmly on the ground.”