Fit through training

For many young people, summer not only marks the end of their school days – for some, it also marks the beginning of a whole new chapter: the start of their training and thus their leap into working life. And that brings a number of changes with it: a new daily routine, a new environment, new expectations. Starting in August, around 176 young people will also start their training at Krones, for example as cutting machine operators, industrial electronics technicians or e-commerce clerks. Krones offers various programmes to help newcomers find their feet – one of which is the Health Management team's "Start and Stay Healthy" programme. It accompanies the trainees throughout their entire training period and helps them to stay physically and mentally fit with a holistic programme. 

Health from day one 

What began three years ago as a pilot project will accompany the fourth year of trainees starting in September and has now become an integral part of the training programme. The "Start and Stay Healthy" programme is not a one-time workshop, but a carefully thought-out concept that spans the entire training period. In around 150 workshops over the last three years, almost 400 trainees from all German locations have learned about topics such as physical health, mental strength, social skills and stress management in their new everyday working lives. 

"With this concept, we want to ensure that trainees receive training that goes beyond technical content from day one and also receive preventive health care. After all, today's trainees are tomorrow's workforce. It is therefore particularly important to raise their awareness of health issues from the outset and prepare them as well as possible for their everyday working lives, because healthy working goes far beyond exercise and nutrition," explains Antonia Meier, who oversees the programme on behalf of Health Management. 

The programme is structured to be as tailored as possible to the needs that are most important in each year of training. "The workshops in the first year of training are mostly in person and the groups are mixed so that the trainees can get to know each other and benefit from the experiences of the different departments. The programme includes team-building activities, group work and various challenges that allow the trainees to motivate each other," explains Antonia Meier. In the second year of training, the trainees learn about self-organisation, how to study effectively and how to deal with stress in a healthy way in preparation for their upcoming intermediate exams. In the final year, the focus is increasingly on social issues. 

Breathe in, breathe out, carry on 

Johannes Heinz completed his training as a technical product designer this June. He was part of the first cohort of trainees to complete the programme. He found the modules on dealing with stress particularly helpful. "What helped me especially during the exam period were the tips we received on this topic. Especially in stressful moments, I paused briefly and used one of the breathing exercises. Breathing deeply helped me to sort out my thoughts and then concentrate on my task again," says Johannes. He was able to apply these stress management strategies not only when studying for exams, but also at work.  

What helped me especially during the exam period were the tips we received on how to deal with stress. Especially in stressful moments, I paused briefly and used one of the breathing exercises. Breathing deeply helped me to sort out my thoughts and then concentrate on my task again. Johannes Heinztechnical product designer at Krones

Johannes also learned a lot about physical health, such as ergonomics in the workplace: "I never really looked into ergonomics before, simply because in the past I never used to sit at a desk all day. That changed during my training, and I found it important to learn how to adjust my desk, screen and office chair so that I can protect my back as much as possible." In addition to the content on good posture, Johannes also benefited from the modules on nutrition. He particularly enjoyed the smoothie challenge, in which the trainees were divided into groups and tasked with turning various fruits and vegetables into delicious smoothies.  

Shaping health together 

"We were also allowed to express our wishes in the workshops regarding topics that particularly interest us, and these were then implemented," Johannes adds. Feedback like this is valuable because the programme is still in its infancy, so lively exchange with the trainees is very important for health management. "Together with our external partner, MOOVE GmbH, we tried to create a programme that would be as appealing as possible for our trainees, but in the end, they themselves know best what interests them. That's why we were very grateful that the programme was well received and also for the feedback and suggestions from the trainees, because with such a large and diverse group, it's not easy to find topics that are interesting for everyone," says Antonia Meier.  

In the long term, the programme aims to raise trainees' awareness of their health right from the start, so that they know how to take care of themselves and their needs both in the workplace and in their private lives. That is why the "Start and Stay Healthy" programme is more than just an additional offer – it is mandatory for all trainees. After all, those who feel good physically and mentally are not only better able to learn and work, but also enjoy their work more and are more motivated. For Krones, one thing is clear: promoting the health of young talents also strengthens the future of the company in the long term. That is why Health Management supports trainees in this new phase of their lives – so that they can get off to a healthy and motivated start.