"We have our training quality reviewed annually by those who are most affected by it: our trainees themselves have now certified for the fifth time in a row that we are doing a good job in this area. Qualified and motivated employees are crucial for the future success of our company. That is why the topic of training is a top priority for us," emphasizes Erich Staake, Chairman of the Executive Board of Duisburger Hafen AG.

The duisport Group offers a total of eleven different apprenticeships. From port logistics specialists, real estate agents, IT specialists and wood mechanics to railroad workers. In addition to the classic commercial professions, the duisport Group has specialized in the various operational job profiles in the logistics sector. As the world's largest inland port, there is a great need for well-trained specialists, and duisport also focuses on specialist and niche professions with its diverse range of apprenticeships.

The number of trainees who start at the Port of Duisburg each year varies. The peak figure was 21 apprenticeships in 2019. duisport was able to fill 15 new apprenticeships in 2020. Not every apprenticeship is offered every year, so the figures vary slightly from year to year.

As of today, the proportion of female trainees in the duisport Group is an above-average 30.77%. This is a good rate for a logistics company with a high proportion of commercial apprenticeships. Overall, the proportion of women in newly concluded training contracts, for example in the skilled trades, is almost a fifth (2019: 19.7%). Women are often underrepresented in industrial and technical professions. In the long term, the duisport Executive Board is aiming for a balanced ratio of women and men among trainees. Erich Staake: "We are proud of the fact that we have a record number of female trainees in the logistics sector, but we still need more female applicants for logistics professions. Job profiles in logistics must be equally attractive for women and men. We are looking for personalities with good qualifications - and we find them in both gender groups. Incidentally, our aim is to get the best - and not to fulfill quotas."

As different as the apprenticeships at duisport are, the respective qualifications and requirements also vary: From secondary school leaving certificate to A-levels, everything is possible. Even university dropouts or career changers can apply. duisport is looking for applicants who enjoy their work and are enthusiastic about the logistics industry and the profession they would like to learn. In principle, duisport aims to take on every trainee after they have successfully completed their vocational training.