Hellmann becomes regional ambassador in the German "NETWORK Companies Integrate Refugees”

Thousands of people come to Germany every year to build a new life. At the same time, the German economy continues to suffer a severe shortage of skilled workers. To actively address this situation, the organization "NETWORK Companies Integrate Refugees" is actively supporting employers in the training and employment of refugees. The NETWORK is an initiative of the German Chambers of Industry and Commerce (DIHK) and the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy has around 2,700 member companies that are jointly implementing integrative HR policies.

Hellmann Worldwide Logistics has also been part of the NETWORK for more than five years. With  the nomination of Jutta Oeltjendiers, Integration & Language Training Officer at Hellmann, as Regional Ambassador of the State of Lower Saxony, the company will play an important role in the future of the alliance. The focus is on acting as a central point of contact to promote networking between regional companies and foster the exchange of experience and knowledge. At the same time, Jutta Oeltjendiers will contribute her know-how as a mediator between business and politics for the state of Lower Saxony.

"At Hellmann, we have numerous initiatives targeted at integrating refugees and thus fulfill our social responsibility. At the same time, we are tackling the shortage of skilled workers. I am very much looking forward to sharing my many years of experience with other companies and thus making Lower Saxony's economy even more inclusive. It is a great concern of mine to give orientation to young refugees. They bring with them enormous motivation and want to be quickly integrated into the labor market and society," says Jutta Oeltjendiers, Integration & Language Training Officer, Hellmann Worldwide Logistics, Germany. 

"Particularly in times like these, it is very important for us as a company to provide refugees a solid perspective by supporting their integration into the labor market. We have many colleagues who have migrated to Germany, especially among our trainees and young employees. Supported in part by the practical support provided by the NETWORK, they are able to quickly settle in and gain a foothold in their new home country. I am delighted that Jutta Oeltjendiers, as a regional ambassador for the state of Lower Saxony, can now support other companies in implementing inclusive HR policies," says Christa Stienen, Chief People Officer, Hellmann Worldwide Logistics.  

About the NETZWEKRK Companies Integrate Refugees and the idea of regional ambassadors
NETZWERK Companies Integrate Refugees was founded in 2016 as a joint initiative of the Association of German Chambers of Industry and Commerce (DIHK) and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy. More than 2,700 companies have now joined the nationwide NETZWERK to jointly and very practically advance the training and employment of refugees. The services offered by the NETZWERK, such as advice, information materials, webinars, workshops and events, are free of charge, as is the membership. For more information, visit www.nuif.de. 

In 2019, the concept of Regional Ambassadors was launched to highlight regional specifics from the vast wealth of experience of member companies and to build a network of experts who live labor market integration in practice and pass on their expertise to companies in the region. After one year, the Regional Ambassadors will nominate their successors in mid-2022.