>
>
This year, we once again had the pleasure of welcoming twelve new trainees from various companies within our corporate group. To ensure that the start of their training was as smooth and exciting as possible, we organized a varied and informative five-day orientation week for our trainees. Each day offered new challenges and valuable information that optimally prepared our trainees for their new journey.
The first day began with a warm welcome from our CEO Argjend Kameraj. The focus of the discussion was on developing interest in the professions and the company’s positive contribution to the environment. Afterwards, the trainees had the opportunity to get to know each other better during an introductory round.
This was followed by an engaging presentation on the history of our corporate group and its diverse services. An introduction to occupational safety by one of our experts was another key part of the program, ensuring that our new trainees were familiarized with the most important safety regulations from the very beginning.
In the afternoon, the “Horn & Co. 100 Year Book” was the focus. In group work, the book was studied in depth and the results were then presented. The day concluded with a joint group photo as well as individual portrait photos for the trainees’ profiles.
The second day began with an important data protection training session.
The trainees learned not only about legal requirements but also about practical behavior when handling sensitive data. A follow-up quiz provided a playful way to reinforce what had been learned.
After a tour of the administrative offices, the group traveled to Hünsborn, where the trainees gained their first insights into the workflows at Horn & Co. Analytics and Horn & Co. RHIM Minerals Recovery GmbH. A special thank you goes to our colleagues Rüdiger Nöh, Julia Hensel, and Noah Bröcher, who enriched the day with their expertise.
The first part of the day focused entirely on Microsoft 365. The trainees were introduced to the basics of Excel, Word, and PowerPoint, with plenty of opportunities to apply their newly acquired knowledge in practice.
After the lunch break, the trainees turned their attention to the Horn & Co. Code of Conduct. In group work, the principles of our corporate group were discussed in depth and internalized – an important step to ensure that all trainees behave appropriately and respectfully in our working environment from the very beginning.
The fourth day began with an introduction to IT security. The trainees learned how to navigate safely in a digital environment and how to identify potential risks at an early stage.
Afterwards, the trainees were informed about relevant topics related to payroll – particularly in the context of their training. The afternoon was dedicated entirely to an anti-discrimination workshop. An external trainer guided the group through engaging role-playing exercises and provided practical approaches for maintaining a discrimination-free work environment. These lessons are invaluable for our trainees, as they learn to act respectfully and empathetically in every situation.
The final day of the orientation week focused on health and personal well-being. An external speaker raised awareness among the trainees about topics such as nutrition, exercise, and stress management. A short fitness program that could be performed from a chair ensured an active start to the day.
After a brief introduction to time and self-management principles such as the Eisenhower and ABC methods, the trainees worked in groups to develop useful strategies they can apply in their professional lives. The highlight of the week was a joint team event in which the trainees had to demonstrate their teamwork skills: an escape room. Everyone successfully mastered the challenges and managed to escape the room with great success.
The orientation week provided our new trainees with a valuable opportunity not only to develop professionally but also to grow together as a team. The combination of theoretical training, practical workshops, and shared activities ensured a successful start to their apprenticeship. We look forward to supporting our new trainees on their journey and achieving the next milestones together.
The entire corporate group wishes our trainees an exciting and successful training period!
