BIKAR METALLE receives quality seal for vocational training

The metal trading company BIKAR METALLE, based in South Westphalia, has been awarded the "Gütesiegel Ausbildung Südwestfalen" (South Westphalia Vocational Training Quality Seal) by the IHK Siegen, part of the German Chambers of Industry and Commerce. This seal recognises the company’s commitment to vocational training and confirms the high quality of its apprenticeship. The official award ceremony for all recipients took place on 13 March 2025 at the IHK Siegen offices.

Outstanding training: BIKAR METALLE receives the South Westphalia Vocational Training Quality Seal from the IHK Siegen for its training excellence. From left to right: André Arenz (1st Authorized Representative of IG Metall Olpe), Sabine Bechheim (Managing Director IHK Siegen | Division I - Vocational Training and Start-ups), Nadine Treude (HR Officer | Trainer BIKAR METALLE), Josefine Becker (Social Media Manager | Trainer BIKAR METALLE), Lena Grosch (Marketing Manager BIKAR METALLE), Dirk Pöppel (Chairman of the Vocational Training Committee of IHK Siegen)

18.03.2025 Lena Grosch

With this quality seal, the IHK Siegen aims to highlight particularly dedicated and innovative training companies, making attractive career paths visible to young people. A standardised evaluation process objectively assesses the quality of training programmes. Participating companies also receive support in further developing their qualification offerings to become even more appealing to high-potential applicants.

At BIKAR, an extensive audit, including a certification interview, was conducted. Examiners from external companies assessed the training based on a defined set of criteria, focusing on apprentice recruitment, training implementation, and the transition of apprentices into skilled positions. Additionally, BIKAR METALLE apprentices were surveyed anonymously in advance to gather insights into their training experience and their perception of the company as a training provider. Both sets of results contributed to the overall evaluation and convinced the auditors, who gave a clear recommendation for awarding the quality seal. The certification is initially valid for three years, after which a re-evaluation will ensure the continuous quality of training programmes.

Training with tradition: Quality seal confirms long-standing commitment

For 30 years, BIKAR has been training young professionals in various apprenticeships, emphasising its strong regional ties and actively contributing to workforce development in South Westphalia. Currently, 60 young people are undergoing training at BIKAR METALLE in South Westphalia and at its location in Korbussen in eastern Thuringia. The company boasts a 95% retention rate after apprenticeship completion. Many long-time employees began their careers as apprentices at BIKAR and still work for the family-owned business today.
BIKAR views this quality seal as further confirmation of its commitment to an employee-centred company culture. In this context, BIKAR has already been certified as a "family-friendly company" by the Competence Centre for Women & Work Siegen-Wittgenstein/Olpe.

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