Hubertus Heil (SPD), Federal Minister of Labor and Social Affairs: The world of work is changing rapidly as a result of technological and social developments. This requires bold and responsible action from everyone involved. Continentals from work to work initiative is a prime example of how a socially fair transformation can be shaped with courage and drive. Here in Gifhorn, the employees of today are being equipped for the work of tomorrow. This will safeguard local jobs and industry, which Im happy about not only as Minister of Labor, but as a member of the Bundestag with a close connection to the region.
Continental employees at the Gifhorn location will be trained to meet the needs of Stiebel Eltron as well as those of the regional labor market. Stiebel Eltron is planning to set up a stainless steel cylinder production facility for heat pump heating systems at Continentals location in Gifhorn. With this in mind, Continental and Stiebel Eltron have signed a letter of intent to take over production and functional areas. In July 2023, Continental announced that it would be phasing out its business activities at the location by the end of 2027.
It remains our firm intention to move as many of our employees as possible from work to work, said Dr. Ariane Reinhart, Continental Executive Board member for Human Relations and Sustainability. The training offered through the CITT is an important part of creating opportunities for employees in Gifhorn.
The agreement with Stiebel Eltron is the first major result of Continentals from work to work initiative, which, through appropriate training, aims to ensure a seamless transition to a new job within Continental or on the external job market for employees. To achieve this, Continental is currently in talks with several companies.
Christiane Benner, Second Chairperson of IG Metall and Vice Chairperson of Continentals Supervisory Board: Training, qualification and future prospects in local regions are a key issue for us as a labor union. Thats why weve worked hard to show employees in Gifhorn that transformation through training is a real opportunity. We are laying the foundation for this with the CITT.
Needs-based training since 2019
Continental launched a comprehensive training initiative for the transformation of jobs in 2018. A key part of the initiative is the CITT, established in 2019 to strengthen the employability of individual employees. The training measures are geared to future-oriented professions. 8,500 participants had been trained there by the end of 2022. By the end of 2023, they will number 9,500. Through the CITT, employees have the opportunity to retrain for the internal and external job market at full pay. Unskilled and semi-skilled employees can, for example, complete a further training course certified by the German Chamber of Industry and Commerce with the option of obtaining a full professional qualification.
Further information on the planned end of business activities in Gifhorn:
Executive Board Informs Supervisory Board of Measures at the Gifhorn Location
Stiebel Eltron and Continental Start Negotiations on Possible Uses for the Gifhorn Location
Continental develops pioneering technologies and services for sustainable and connected mobility of people and their goods. Founded in 1871, the technology company offers safe, efficient, intelligent and affordable solutions for vehicles, machines, traffic and transportation. In 2022, Continental generated sales of 39.4 billion and currently employs around 200,000 people in 57 countries and markets
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