Evonik supports career development of female chemical engineering students in vocational colleges
2023 "Grow beyond yourself" program in China concluded
- Around 560 students from seven vocational colleges participated in the program directly
- A college-enterprise cooperation model to promote vocational education in China
- Enhance diversity and support youth development in China
Evonik’s "Grow beyond yourself" program has successfully concluded with an innovation contest held in Shanghai on August 25. The project, in collaboration with Yiyou Youth Center, a social organization for youth development, aims to enhance career competence and soft skills of female chemical engineering students in vocational colleges.
The five-month program took place at seven vocational colleges in Shanghai, Zhenjiang, Nanping, Nanning, Qingdao, Rizhao, Changchun, Jilin, and attracted around 560 students to participate directly. With the online courses and open lectures, the program reached and impacted a wider audience.
It offered a variety of learning opportunities, including learning courses covered both chemistry knowledge and skills for career development, open lectures about women empowerment, and offline plant visits.
In addition, an innovation contest was organized, which invited students to generate ideas on future chemical plants and their operation. The students came up with creative concepts for various topics, such as low-carbon technologies, digitalized operation, and community engagement. After rounds of competitions, Team "Happy Forever" from Zhenjiang College won the first prize.
China has placed a great emphasis on highly skilled talents, giving full play to vocational schools with policy support. Encouraging college-enterprise cooperation is among one of the policies.
With the "Grow beyond yourself" program, Evonik aims to set a college-enterprise cooperation model. It also highlights the company’s commitment to diversity, supporting youth development and STEM education in Asia Pacific, with an emphasis on female students.
"We are proud to attract a group of outstanding talents with self-confidence, creativity, and potential through this program,” remarked by Dr. Claus Rettig, president of Evonik Asia Pacific at the closing ceremony. “We will continue to support the next generation of chemical professionals and build a robust local talent pipeline, thus creating value for the industry and society."
Company information
Evonik is one of the world leaders in specialty chemicals. The company is active in more than 100 countries around the world and generated sales of €18.5 billion and an operating profit (adjusted EBITDA) of €2.49 billion in 2022. Evonik goes far beyond chemistry to create innovative, profitable, and sustainable solutions for customers. About 34,000 employees work together for a common purpose: We want to improve life today and tomorrow.
Asia Pacific is a strong driving force of the global economy and an important source of innovation. Consequently Evonik endeavors to further grow its business in the region. Sales reached €3.78 billion in 2022 and the company employs around 5,200 people at more than 50 sites in Asia Pacific.
Disclaimer
In so far as forecasts or expectations are expressed in this press release or where our statements concern the future, these forecasts, expectations or statements may involve known or unknown risks and uncertainties. Actual results or developments may vary, depending on changes in the operating environment. Neither Evonik Industries AG nor its group companies assume an obligation to update the forecasts, expectations or statements contained in this release.