- With the “GROHE Installer Vocational Training and Education” (GIVE) programme, the brand has already collaborated with 26 institutions offering plumbing training across EMENA
- Over the next two years, the network is to be expanded to over 50 technical schools and colleges, granting more than 5,000 students per year a better future
- With hands-on training according to the latest industry standards, GROHE also strives for a positive impact on sustainable social transformation
London, May 2021– Given the shortage of skilled installers in the sanitary industry, it is more important than ever to offer an attractive training programme that helps young people build the foundations for a prosperous future. This is why GROHE, a leading global brand for complete bathroom solutions and kitchen fittings, initiated its “GROHE Installer Vocational Training and Education” (GIVE) programme.
To date, GROHE has already collaborated with 26 institutions offering plumbing training across the EMENA region. To help improve training facilities, GROHE will set up a fully functioning training environment where students can benefit from the brand’s vast expertise. GIVE supports colleges and vocational education institutions in creating a uniform approach with modern equipment, training material and a written examination that will set new industry standards. Even after students have completed their GROHE training, they will receive assistance – with job placements or even a work experience programme at one of GROHE’s industry partners.
The GIVE programme actually started in the UK itself, with the highly successful working partnership between GROHE and Colchester Institute, the largest vocational college in North Essex. The dedicated fully-functioning training rig was opened to its 500-strong cohort of plumbing students in November 2019. The GROHE UK team is currently planning how it will expand on the success of the GIVE programme into more UK training colleges, with potential partnerships on the horizon in both Dublin and the South of England.
“The GIVE programme will unite all our professional training efforts and help young people from all backgrounds by improving the quality of life for themselves and their families. We offer students a training and education programme which will prepare them to become skilled plumbers and guide them further in their careers,” states Jonas Brennwald, Leader LIXIL EMENA. “Besides initiatives like ‘GROHE goes ZERO’ and ‘Less Plastic,’ where we advocate resource conservation and sustainable consumption, the social dimension is an integral part of our sustainability strategy. As the programme’s name implies, giving back to society is vital for us at GROHE.”
Offering young professionals the best start to their careers
As part of the GIVE programme, GROHE will support plumbing schools in creating a state-of-the-art training framework by installing modern training facilities and providing learning material and experienced technical trainers. Students will complete a specific product training designed by GROHE, for which they will receive an internationally recognised certificate.
“Our programme offers young talents hands-on training that eases their start into professional life. The students will gain knowledge of the latest technologies and sanitary innovations. This will ensure that they are capable of installing and maintaining our expanding product range before they embark on their future careers in the plumbing industry,” says Christopher Penney, Leader Plumber Schools LIXIL EMENA. “We are excited to offer our internationally accredited training programme to more plumbing students across the EMENA region by opening up twelve additional schools in 2021 and another twelve in 2022.”
Counteracting the sanitation crisis
The integration and continuation of the Dual Tech training programme, which was initiated together with the German non-governmental organisation Don Bosco Mondo, means that GIVE also helps socially disadvantaged people between the ages of 17 and 25 in the Philippines and in Mumbai and Delhi, India, become sanitary specialists. By providing young people with access to market-oriented training, GIVE offers graduates secure prospects for the future and counters the shortage of skilled workers. As a result, the living conditions of many local people improve. The experts trained in sanitary technology create a basic supply, especially where fresh water pipes, sanitary facilities, hygiene measures and healthcare are needed most. By enabling access to basic sanitation, the project also contributes to the fulfilment of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) – in particular Goal 6, “Clean Water and Sanitation” – and also to the first pillar of LIXIL’s sustainability strategy – “Global Sanitation & Hygiene” – which aims to improve the livelihood of 100 million people through sanitation and hygiene initiatives by 2025.
