Our Commitment to the Advancement of People Living in Difficult Circumstances

Three men in black Continental polo shirts standing in a factory and smiling

Unfortunately, global crises still force people to leave their homes. In addition, young people in difficult circumstances in Germany are often denied opportunities for career progression. We aim to counteract this and are committed to equal access to education and professional integration. We therefore help people to develop career prospects and get a foot on the career entry ladder, thus advocating a moresocial labor market.

Refugees have two options for entering the world of work with Continental: either directly through an apprenticeship or through an entry qualification program.

Applicants who already have a solid command of German and technical knowledge can progress straight to an apprenticeship. In this case, Continental helps them to integrate into everyday life or overcome language or other barriers.

During the entry qualification program, participants first complete a twelve-month internship, consolidate their German language skills, and acquire the necessary technical basics. Once the program has been completed, the aim is to hit the ground running in an apprenticeship.

Infographic on the recruitment and taking on of refugees at Continental showing countries of origin and locations in Germany

A young man in work apparel working on cables on a technical device while an older man looks over his shoulder and gives tips

JOBLINGE e. V. is a nonprofit organization founded in 2007 that targets disadvantaged young people between the ages of 15 and 27 and combats youth unemployment. Young people with a difficult start in life have the chance to find a job or apprenticeship through a six-month program. Together with JOBLINGE e. V., Continental is closing the gap between background and future, creating real job opportunities, and enabling young people to integrate into the labor market and society over the long term. With the possibility of a subsequent apprenticeship, Continental offers internships for young people without an apprenticeship.

In cooperation with the Federal Ministry for Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth, as well as Wirtschaftsjunioren Deutschland, the Continental location in Regensburg is working with the initiative “Azubi für einen Tag!” (Trainee for a Day). Part of the joint project “JUGEND STÄRKEN: Zukunft gestalten.” (STRENGTHENING YOUTH: shaping the future.) This is a nationwide day of action on November 18 aimed at teenagers and young people aged 12 to 26. The aim of the day of action is to show young people with difficult personal backgrounds, such as migration or disability, career prospects and to inspire them for the different professions at Continental. Continental Regensburg invites participating “trainees for a day” to visit the location and get to know our trainees and their day-to-day routines.

A man in a blue shirt and rolled-up sleeves touching a robotic arm and smiling while two women look on smiling

A group of people standing in a lobby looking at a person sitting in a vehicle simulator

The initiative Nacht.schafft.Wissen offers high technology and science at your fingertips. It is aimed at all those interested in STEM and primarily serves to offer careers guidance to young people. In cooperation with Stadtmarketing Regensburg, we want to increase interest in local companies and scientific institutes and arouse enthusiasm for science, technology, and research, as well as for the various professional fields. The “Nacht.schafft.Wissen” event evening consists of various program items and provides insights into the laboratories and workshops of local companies.

Creating prospects and promoting diversity – that’s what our company stands for. During the significant refugee movements in 2015/2016, which presented Germany with many new challenges, Continental recognized the opportunities and took on social responsibility at an early stage. In close cooperation with the employment agencies, more than 100 people were able to enter the world of work within the framework of an entry qualification year, thus setting the starting point for successful integration. “I needed help,” says Khalid Mohamud Yusuf in an interview, describing a situation experienced by many refugees. Continental offered support and opened up new prospects for people and their families. Today, with a look at the forced migration, the experiences and careers at Continental, there is a lot of gratitude among the nine people interviewed. They have all found their own individual path and are proud to be a part of society here in Germany, and a part of the Continental family. We can only return the sentiment: dear colleagues, we are delighted that you are part of our team and are touched that you have shared your inspiring stories with us!