The brand GROHE takes committed steps to nurture the next generation of plumbers & installers

Empowering young talent: GROHE takes committed steps to nurture the next generation of plumbers

GROHE promotes opportunities for young talent in the sanitary industry
GIVE program (GROHE Installer Vocational Training and Education) provides young installers with a good foundation for a successful start to their careers
As a global industry partner to WorldSkills International the brand promotes trades and training

Düsseldorf, 5th June 2023 – Worldwide, the sanitary industry is facing challenges in attracting young talent to open positions. While there is an increasing demand for installers, the number of people pursuing this career path keeps declining. As skilled professionals are ageing and moving out of the workforce into retirement, the industry needs young people to fill these newly vacant roles. GROHE, one of the leading global brands for complete bathroom solutions and kitchen fittings, is addressing this issue with a dual approach: Providing young professionals with the best possible training; and contributing to a change in the perception of the plumbing profession.

“Installers are the backbone of the sanitary industry. For us as one of the industry leaders, it is a matter of course to take action and encourage young skilled plumbing professionals. We do not only need to equip trainees with the right skills, we need to get people excited about this profession. They can have a real impact on today’s and tomorrow’s society,” said Jonas Brennwald, Leader LIXIL EMENA.

GIVE: leveraging training and education

One building block in the brand’s efforts to counteract the shortage of skilled labor in the sanitary industry is the GIVE Program (GROHE Installer Vocational Training and Education). GIVE supports plumbing schools in creating a uniformed approach, with modern equipment, training material, a written and practical examination that sets new industry standards.
The brand is already cooperating with 65 schools in the EMENA region, while aiming to reach up to 5,000 students per year. Additional goals are to excite more women about the profession and to support young people from underserved communities in obtaining good prospects for the future. In 2024 we will look to advance the knowledge of students with our GIVE University approach, offering advanced product training and entrepreneurial skills.

“The great thing about GIVE is that students can benefit from our vast expertise. Even after they have completed their training, we will still assist them with our CARE Initiative – Career Advisory and Recruitment Experience. This will allow them to gain work experience at one of our industry partners or even a job placement in a local business within their region,” said Chris Penney, Leader GIVE Program LIXIL EMENA.

Joining Forces with WorldSkills

Additional milestones in nurturing the plumbing profession and increasing the pipeline of skilled workers are the partnerships with WorldSkills International and WorldSkills Europe. This is a global platform to raise the profile and recognition of skilled people. Part of this collaboration is supporting the skills competitions for Plumbing and Heating at EuroSkills 2023 in Gdansk and WorldSkills Lyon 2024. In addition to promoting trades and training, the partnership focuses on raising awareness of the impact skilled professionals can have today and on a sustainable future. Together with the global skills community of industry, education and government partners, GROHE supports the improvement in the abilities, status and economic prospects of young people.

“Partnering with WorldSkills International and WorldSkills Europe enables us to reach talents. Through competitions and promotional activities, we want to inspire them to develop a passion for skills and pursuing excellence,” said Timo Kurz, Leader GIVE Program and WorldSkills, LIXIL EMENA.

Teija Ripattila, Chair of the Board, WorldSkills Europe, said: “We are excited to welcome GROHE as a Premium Sponsor of WorldSkills Europe, which represents another milestone in GROHE’s already impressive track-record of raising the profile, abilities, economic prospects of young people. GROHE’s support of WorldSkills Europe will be invaluable in helping us prepare young talent in the sanitary industry for their future careers.”

More details on GIVE can be found here.