Tradition of Training at Redwitz

Sven Karl, an apprentice at Johnson Matthey’s site in Redwitz, Germany.

Johnson Matthey’s Redwitz, Germany site manufactures a range of emission control catalysts and systems used to control harmful NOx emissions. At Redwitz there is a long tradition of apprenticeship which provides young people with a good all round understanding of manufacturing, engineering and office skills.

Since 1953, when a workshop for apprentices was first set up, 720 industrial apprentices and 200 commercial apprentices have been trained at the Redwitz plant. At present, there are 22 apprentices, with an average age of 18. The workshop provides all the resources and machinery that apprentices need to learn the practical part of the job under strict supervision. Apprentices initially learn in the workshop before transferring to the production areas. They spend three or four days a week attending in-company training, with the other one or two days devoted to formal education at an occupational college. This covers both industry specific topics and general studies, including language and politics.

At the end of the apprenticeship, which lasts for two to three and a half years, the apprentice emerges with a recognised – and valued – qualification. Proof that the system works is shown in the fact that many Redwitz employees are themselves products of the system.

Tradition of Training at Redwitz

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