Given the shortage of skilled installers in the sanitary industry, it is more important than ever to offer an attractive training programme that helps young people build the foundations for a prosperous future. This is why GROHE initiated its “GROHE Installer Vocational Training and Education” (GIVE) programme.

To date, GROHE has already collaborated with 26 institutions offering plumbing training across the EMENA region. To help improve training facilities, GROHE will set up a fully functioning training environment where students can benefit from the brand’s vast expertise. GIVE supports colleges and vocational education 2 institutions in creating a uniform approach with modern equipment, training material and a written examination that will set new industry standards. Even after students have completed their GROHE training, they will receive assistance – with job placements or even a work experience programme at one of GROHE’s industry partners.

The GIVE programme actually started in the UK itself, with the highly successful working partnership between GROHE and Colchester Institute, the largest vocational college in North Essex. The dedicated fully-functioning training rig was opened to its 500-strong cohort of plumbing students in November 2019. The GROHE UK team is currently planning how it will expand on the success of the GIVE programme into more UK training colleges, with potential partnerships on the horizon in both Dublin and the South of England.

“The GIVE programme will unite all our professional training efforts and help young people from all backgrounds by improving the quality of life for themselves and their families. We offer students a training and education programme which will prepare them to become skilled plumbers and guide them further in their careers,” states Jonas Brennwald, Leader LIXIL EMENA. “Besides initiatives like ‘GROHE goes ZERO’ and ‘Less Plastic,’ where we advocate resource conservation and sustainable consumption, the social dimension is an integral part of our sustainability strategy. As the programme’s name implies, giving back to society is vital for us at GROHE.”