Training at WSM

Vocational training is a “huge topic” at Walter Solbach Metallbau GmbH (WSM). Here, in the industrial area just outside Waldbröl, high-quality, mobile room systems for factories and logistics centers, shelters for smokers and modern Bicycle parking systems are created. Like all companies, the full-service manufacturer relies on competent and motivated employees. And these are becoming increasingly scarce, not only in view of demographic developments.

“We always need new good people with the growth we have. We could buy them on the market at a high price. However, our strategy is to develop our employees ourselves,” explains Werner Schenk, who has managed the family-owned company for over 50 years. “I like to compare this with Bundesliga clubs, some of which only buy the best players – only to put them on the bench for a long time, perhaps – and those that take great care of their young talent. We know that we can’t afford ready-made players. That’s why I tell applicants, if you’re at WSM, you’ll get a good education,” Schenk says.

The boss is personally responsible for this, for example by conducting interviews with the young applicants himself wherever possible. The focus is not on grades, but on interests, inclinations and reliability. It has to be a good fit for both sides. Which applicants fit WSM? “You have to be curious and open-minded,” Schenk explains, “because we are not a classic series manufacturer, but have a broad product portfolio with small and medium-sized series, accordingly you have to be able to switch quickly, also with regard to the needs of our customers. “Anyone who always just wants to do the same thing is certainly not a good fit for us. And: “With us you can quickly take on responsibility, here you go straight into the department”.

“I ask every trainee one question,” Schenk explains: “Where will you live in ten years? Will you be able to cope with our world, with Waldbröl, or do you need the offerings that only a larger city can offer on your doorstep? If someone says it’s nice here because everything is more small-scale or because there’s still nature here, then it can fit. Our applicants should already be from the region, and think about how they can come to us every morning in any weather.”

Takeover guaranteed after training

At WSM, once a word is given, that’s what the family business values. This determines not only how I deal with customers, but also with employees: “When I sign a contract, I have a responsibility and I feel obliged to keep my promises and take my employees seriously,” says Schenk. “This also includes our takeover guarantee,” he adds, “we don’t train for the market, but for our own needs.”

To cover this, the company has created professional structures in recent years. For example, for the past two years there has been a training officer who is exclusively responsible for coordinating the trainees and also takes care of the subsequent further training opportunities. After all, up to twelve young people are usually trained at WSM each year. With a total workforce of 210 employees at the Waldbröl site, around ten percent are apprentices, who are taught in numerous state-recognized professions (list of apprenticeship professions at the end of the article).

Education as a location advantage in Waldbröl

“As a realist, I know that we are playing in a concert of attractive companies here in the region,” says WSM CEO Schenk. Still, he’s confident: “The large supply of young people who want to learn something here and then work here, that’s perhaps the biggest competitive advantage, and we’re playing to that!” As a school location, Waldbröl has all possible types of schools, such as a grammar school, comprehensive school, secondary modern school, secondary modern school, special school, elementary school and a commercial college. “Anyone who complains here that they can’t find trainees has only themselves to blame,” Schenk notes.

Because the training process nowadays starts before the actual training, trial days and company internships have long been a matter of course for WSM. These can be company visits by entire school classes or two- to three-week individual internships. “That’s where the search for good, suitable applicants starts for us,” Schenk explains. In order to make and keep the metal construction company known to as many young people as possible, it cooperates with KURS, the cooperation network between companies in the region and schools, and maintains partnerships with the local high school and with the Berufskolleg Oberberg.

“In terms of perception as a good training company, we’ve certainly improved in recent years,” Schenk surmises, “and you can see that in the great interest in our taster days, which take place at least once a year.” These serve to get to know the company and the job profiles and are organized by the trainees themselves. “This eye-to-eye communication is very successful, as some hurdles, such as those caused by shyness, are easier to overcome here,” says the company boss happily, summing up: “I think WSM is a good training company!”

Apprenticeships at WSM:

  • Industrial clerks
  • Technical system planner
  • IT specialist (specializing in application development)
  • Metal worker (specialization: construction technology)
  • Professional driver
  • Warehouse clerks

Ideally, the application is made about six months before the start. Cover letter, resume, and copies of last two school transcripts and other qualifications, if applicable, are required.
Online to: [email protected], on the website www.wsm.eu or by mail to:

WSM – Walter Solbach Metallbau GmbH
Industrial road 20
51545 Waldbröl