In today's fast-paced and ever-evolving market, Höganäs recognises the importance of investing in the future. The trainee programme is not just an investment in the company, but an investment in the bright minds that will shape the future of the industry. By providing a comprehensive, hands-on learning experience, Höganäs aims to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and practical application.

“The aim of the trainee programme is to empower participants to take on significant roles within the organisation upon programme completion. An equally important part is to provide opportunities for practical learning and immersion in different areas of the company, so that trainees can acquire essential skills, understand the organisational culture as well as contribute with new ideas and perspectives,” says Joana Silva, HR manager at Höganäs in Brazil.

Learning and networking opportunities

The first cycle of the trainee programme attracted more than 2100 applicants from across Brazil. Three trainees were selected and for 18 months they undertook rotations in seven different areas and departments of the company under the guidance of mentors. It all concluded with a final project aligned with Höganäs’ strategy.

"Eighteen months ago, the Höganäs trainee programme made me move to Mogi das Cruzes. I learned a lot during the programme, being exposed to different situations, even with people from other countries," comments Ana Queiroz, Development and Application Engineer and one of the trainees.

Francisco Ramos, now a junior project engineer, continues: “The programme reinforced the importance of developing talents and my experience was transformative. For 18 months, I participated in projects in various areas of the company, contributing to improvements in processes and procedures. All of this was essential for my professional and personal growth.”

Mentorship and development

This kind of programme is crucial for the professional development and growth of organisations and their professionals. In addition to bringing in a new generation of professionals to the company, the participants contributed to many areas, such as increased productivity, better resource utilisation, agility, process improvements, and procedures.

“The journey was full of both opportunities and challenges from the beginning. I was able to learn about each area, which helped me understand what Höganäs does and connect more with our strategic agenda. The reception from people in the areas and the support from HR and the management team was essential to align expectations and deliver a successful programme,” concludes Thiago Sarpe, one of the trainees and now a Lean coach.