Even in 2018, there is still a focus on gender when choosing an apprenticeship place or a degree. Schools and companies have attempted to combat this for years, and to interest girls in classically 'male' jobs as well. The KÖTTER Group is also one of these companies.
It was that time of year again on 26 April: Companies from all over Germany and various European countries invited girls to take part in Girls' Day. As is the tradition, the KÖTTER Group were also involved, with plenty of excitements on offer: How does an alarm system work? What should you take into account when fighting fires? What career opportunities does the service sector offer for young women?
14 female students took the opportunity to get a glimpse behind the scenes of the family company, which is the second largest security service provider in Germany along with Sparte Security, and one of the Top 10 building service providers.
'Grey theory' was off the agenda: with the fire simulator, the girls had a live experience of how to target and fight blazing flames, were able to prove their tyre changing skills in the workshop, and got to know the range of tasks carried out by IT system electronics technicians.
“We want to actively support young women in getting a foot on the career ladder in a technical or scientific career," states Martina Kötter, managing director of KÖTTER Verwaltungsdienstleistungen. “We'd like to show them that choosing a career is not about gender, but about qualifications and enthusiasm. And naturally, we'd also like to show them that the KÖTTER Group is an attractive employer for young people."
For the traditional company, 'Girls' Day' is only one building block which supports young people in choosing a career and getting a foot on the career ladder. For example, one fixed part is also the annual participation in the 'Youth Dialogue' economy series by the Ruhr Initiative Group (IR). Moreover, around 160 apprentices are currently employed by the company group nationwide. New apprenticeship places will also be created for the new apprenticeship year, which begins in the summer.