Reinforcement for cool heads: Recruitment at Kältech works!
Combating the shortage of skilled workers
Kältech Kälte- und Klimatechnik GmbH was founded in 2007 with refrigeration technology in Langenhagen. The company later expanded to include air conditioning technology, which is currently its core business due to strong demand from the catering, hotel and private household sectors, among others. In 2020, Kältech expanded with additional locations in Hamburg and Düsseldorf. The company focuses on services such as the installation and maintenance of refrigeration and air conditioning systems. With a high quality standard, the focus is on the customer. Around 100 employees of 13 nationalities currently work at Kältech throughout Germany, 65 of whom are based in Langenhagen, Hanover.
Kältech Kälte- und Klimatechnik GmbH noticed the shortage of skilled workers early on and therefore recruited its first skilled workers from Spain around nine years ago. Subsequently, the company also recruited skilled workers from Tunisia, who completed their training as mechatronics technicians within two years, whereas in Germany the training takes 3.5 years, meaning that the necessary knowledge is lacking. However, Kältech has had a very positive experience with the first specialist from North Africa. The employee came to Germany with very good training and practical experience. The company then recruited further skilled workers from North Africa.
Successful recruitment by Welcome Center and THAMM
HR manager Jannes Lehmann from Kältech Kälte- und Klimatechnik GmbH took part in the Hanover Chamber of Crafts' breakfast for trainers. This enabled contact to be established with the Hannover Region Welcome Center via the Hannover Chamber of Crafts.
In cooperation with the Welcome Center Region Hannover and the THAMM program, Kältech Kälte- und Klimatechnik GmbH has recruited the 33-year-old mechatronics engineer Faoudi Jlidi for refrigeration technology for its company. Jlidi has been working at Kältech since September 24, 2022. The THAMM program of the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH provides support for regular labor migration and mobility between North Africa and Europe. In Egypt, Morocco and Tunisia, the population is growing rapidly while there is a lack of employment opportunities. Young people can acquire new skills and increase their employability through training or employment in Germany and the EU. In addition, the countries of origin benefit from expanded job prospects, knowledge transfer and long-term economic cooperation. The aim is to establish sustainable and development-oriented labor migration between third countries and Europe. Kältech has always received good support from THAMM.
Head of HR Lehmann has already appeared several times as an example of best practice at events organized by the Hannover Region Welcome Center. At Kältech, the combination of trainees from Germany and trained specialists from abroad ensures a high level of motivation, as both groups can learn a lot from each other.
Recruitment of a new team member
The Welcome Center of the Hannover Region was particularly helpful in recruiting the skilled worker and assisting with the recruitment process. Our expert Tornike Murtskhavaladze also provided support in finding accommodation, coordinating official appointments and taking out health insurance. Recruiting skilled workers from third countries works and can be a good solution to skills shortages.
Kältech Kälte- und Klimatechnik GmbH attaches great importance to cohesion between employees, which is why team events such as barbecues are held regularly on the company premises after work. Thanks to its extensive experience in recruiting foreign specialists, the company acts very confidently and ensures that the new employees quickly feel at home. When Jlidi arrived at the airport, Kältech immediately provided him with a cell phone with data volume so that he could keep in touch with his family. The specialists live together in a shared flat organized by Kältech. The company also ensures that they attend a German language course. After the 2-month onboarding process, care is also taken to ensure that Jlidi travels to customer appointments, especially with colleagues who speak German as their mother tongue, so that he can improve his language skills.
A future with prospects
Faouzi Jlidi initially received partial recognition as a mechatronics technician for refrigeration technology. During his work, Jlidi made up for the missing knowledge through further training, among other things, and received full recognition from the Hanover Chamber of Crafts on August 20, 2024.
In his home country, the work was very monotonous and exhausting. Jlidi had to work a lot of overtime and also at night. In Germany, he therefore appreciates the regular working hours, better working conditions and high-quality work equipment all the more. On his vacation days, he visits his family in Morocco or travels through Europe with his work colleagues. At the beginning, Jlidi noticed particularly big differences in the large cars, the fast highway and the cold weather in Germany. Overall, Faouzi Jlidi has arrived well in Germany and is grateful for the new opportunities offered to him by Kältech and the Welcome Center.
Contact us
Tornike Murtskhvaladze
Hanover Region
Employment Promotion
Department of Economic and Employment Promotion