Young talent plays a key role at Hilti
The headquarters of the Hilti Group in Schaan, Liechtenstein. (Image source: Hilti)
Claudio Nigg has always talked about working with young people. "I really enjoy it when I can pass on my own expertise while also helping students to find and attain mastery over their own personal career path", he says. For Nigg, Hilti AG offers the perfect conditions for this. He also completed his vocational training there, acquiring his skills in polymechanics. "I then switched fields internally to broaden my professional horizons and gain further experience", he recalls. Since 2014, Claudio Nigg has been working as a full-time vocational trainer at Hilti AG. "This gives me enough time and resources to really focus on the students and their tasks and specific challenges." Claudio Nigg is clearly committed to his capacity to work as one of seven vocational trainers at the headquarters in Schaan: "At Hilti, the youngest employees are highly valued and we want to ensure that they can unlock their potential", he explains. Naturally, both the company and students benefit from this. It's a win-win situation.
The Hilti Group supplies the worldwide construction and energy industries with technologically leading products, systems, software and services. With around 31,000 team members in over 120 countries, the company stands for direct customer relations, quality and innovation. The headquarters of the Hilti Group have been located in Schaan, Liechtenstein since its founding in 1941. The company is privately owned by the Martin Hilti Family Trust, which ensures its long-term continuity. The strategic orientation of the Hilti Group is based on an employee and performance-oriented corporate culture as well as the aims of creating enthusiastic customers and building a better future.
Changing the status quo
At Hilti, young professionals receive theoretical and practical tools from qualified experts, which they then consolidate in the training workshop. In addition, they work in production on customer orders, where they also receive support from Claudio Nigg. In recent years, Nigg has noticed a change in the current situation. The oft-mentioned shortage of skilled workers has not yet made itself too apparent there, but the topic cannot and should not be ignored. "Vocational training is under scrutiny, and it is up to us industry representatives to show young people what exciting careers are waiting for them in the technical fields." This is all the more important as more and more young people are taking an academic path or focusing more on fields in IT. To make the technical and mechanical professions more attractive to the outside world, Nigg is part of the committee for "WorldSkills Liechtenstein".
Plenty of knowledge, experience and a strong team spirit
What are the concrete benefits of technical professions, according to Claudio Nigg? "Learning a craft is an ideal step towards pursuing a career in a range of industries", explains the vocational trainer. The major advantage that Hilti AG can offer young people is variety. "With us, you will find everything under one roof, which gives you a great insight into different areas of responsibility." This makes it easier to determine the onward direction of your professional development later on. Nigg will personally continue to do his utmost to make the students under his care feel comfortable. "Fortunately, I can count on our open and familial team spirit to help with this." It is important for graduates to become motivated "ambassadors" later on and inspire others to get enthusiastic about this exciting field of work.
Hilti vocational trainer Claudio Nigg places great value on team spirit. (Image source: ZVG)
Inspiring young talent
In order to find and retain young talent in the company, Claudio Nigg states that the following two aspects should be taken into account:
- Commitment: Young people must be well looked after and gradually introduced to their work materials. Companies should therefore devote appropriate resources to the fullest extent possible. Of course, not every company can afford full-time vocational training, but a "mentor system" combined with the "senior apprentice approach" can make students feel as if they're in good hands. This creates trust, which in turn forms the basis for positive identification with the company.
- Networking: Companies should try to be as connected as possible — both with other companies from the surrounding area and with schools, authorities and industry associations. These facilitate additional channels for keeping in contact with young people. Trade fairs and local events are also well suited for demonstrating the benefits of a company. This path allows for contact with family and friends — people whose opinions are important in the life of young talents.