One of the main challenges of skill training is the lack of resources that are available to learners. Many organizations struggle to find the right materials and trainers to help employees learn new skills. Technology can also be a major challenge when it comes to skill training, but Michael Striedinger, Trainer Apprenticeship Programs Production, Apprenticeship & Education, Merck, is committed to investing in the future workforce.
Merck's social responsibility program for apprentices and trainees focuses on more than just providing technical training and skills development. In addition, the program aims to foster personal growth, mentor relationships, healthcare, education, and community engagement, equipping apprentices and trainees with a comprehensive understanding of their role in society. Moreover, the company is expanding its partnerships with educational establishments, government departments, and non-profit organizations to increase the scope and influence of its social initiatives.
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Q. Could you elaborate on the social responsibility program that Merck undertakes for its apprentices and trainees? We would like to understand the scope and key components of this initiative.
A. Merck, the global leader in healthcare, science, and technology, is always committed to investing in the future workforce. Through its comprehensive apprenticeship and trainee program, Merck fosters a culture of learning, development, and social inclusion, empowering individuals to contribute to a more equitable and sustainable society.
The scope of Merck's social responsibility program for apprentices and trainees extends beyond providing technical training and skills development. The program emphasizes personal growth, mentorship, healthcare, education and community engagement, ensuring that apprentices and trainees gain a holistic understanding of their role in society.
Key components of Merck's social responsibility program for apprentices and trainees include:
1. Skills Development and Technical Training: Merck provides apprentices and trainees with the necessary technical skills and knowledge to excel in their chosen fields. This includes hands-on training, classroom instruction, and access to industry experts.
2. Personal and Professional Growth: Merck fosters personal and professional growth by providing apprentices and trainees with opportunities for leadership development, problem-solving, and teamwork. The program also emphasizes communication skills, adaptability, and resilience.
Q. What are the challenges you are anticipating in your journey of educating and enriching the skills and knowledge of young talents, and how do you plan to address them?
A. As Merck initiates the education and skill enhancement journey for young talents, we foresee challenges that we intend to overcome through proactive measures and strategic partnerships. Some challenges that we can insure include-
1. Rapidly Evolving Technological Landscape: The technology landscape is constantly evolving, and keeping pace with the latest advancements and trends is crucial for equipping young talents with the skills they need to succeed in the future workforce. To address this challenge, Merck is committed to providing its apprentices and trainees with access to cutting-edge technology and training modules that will ensure they stay ahead of the curve.
2. Developing Adaptability and Problem-Solving Skills: The modern workforce demands individuals who are adaptable, can think critically, and solve complex problems. To foster these essential skills, Merck will incorporate real-world scenarios, case studies, and project-based learning into its apprenticeship and trainee program. These hands-on experiences will allow young talents to apply their knowledge and develop the ability to navigate challenges effectively.
3. Bridging the Gap Between Education and Industry: There often exists a gap between the skills taught in educational institutions and the practical skills required in the industry. To bridge this gap, Merck will collaborate closely with universities, technical institutions, and industry experts to ensure its apprenticeship and trainee program aligns with the current industry needs and expectations.
4. Keeping Pace with Changing Learning Preferences: Young talents today have diverse learning preferences and expectations. Merck will explore innovative teaching methodologies to cater to these evolving needs, utilize technology to enhance learning experiences, and provide customized learning paths that cater to individual learning styles.
Q. You are setting up photovoltaic cells with the Swami Vivekananda Youth Movement in remote areas. Please elaborate on this initiative as well as your collaboration with the Movement.
A. Reliable electricity is crucial for socio-economic development, but many remote areas in India lack grid access, limiting progress. To address this, Merck and SVYM collaborate to deploy solar panels, offering a sustainable solution for off-grid communities. SVYM identifies villages, leveraging Merck's technology and resources for installations, technical support, and training, empowering rural development.
Under this collaboration, Merck will develop photovoltaic cell installations in distant places, recognizing the necessity of access to clean and sustainable energy. This collaboration will ensure renewable energy benefits to underprivileged areas, enhancing their quality of life and contributing to a more sustainable future.
Q. What are the broader youth upskilling goals for Merck India and what are the key steps that the company plans to take in this direction in the near future?
A. Merck India recognizes the critical role that skilled youth play in driving innovation, economic growth, and social progress. To address the growing need for a skilled workforce and promote inclusive development, Merck India has set ambitious youth upskilling goals and has outlined a comprehensive roadmap to achieve them.
While Merck India presently does not have any youth upskilling programs, we intend to implement such programs in the near future with these essential measures:
1. Expand apprenticeship and trainee programs: Merck plans to expand its apprenticeship and trainee programs, providing more opportunities for young talents to gain hands-on experience and develop industry-relevant skills.
2. Launch skill development initiatives: Merck will launch skill development initiatives in collaboration with local communities, educational institutions, and industry partners. These initiatives will focus on developing skills in areas such as STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics), digital technology, and entrepreneurship.
3. Promote STEM education: Merck will promote STEM education among young students, encouraging them to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. This includes organizing workshops, STEM camps, and outreach programs.
Q. What is the budget outlay for apprenticeship and education activities in the financial year 2023-24?
A. Annually, the company earmarks 2% of its average net profits from the preceding three financial years as the annual CSR budget. The annual CSR budget specifically excludes income generated from CSR activities or any surplus from previous years. Surpluses resulting from CSR activities are strategically reinvested solely into further CSR initiatives. It is crucial to emphasize that surpluses derived from CSR projects, programs, or activities do not contribute to the company's overall business profits. This commitment aligns with Merck's strategic vision, as evidenced by the ongoing construction of a new Learning Center in Darmstadt, representing an investment exceeding 70 million euros. This substantial undertaking underscores the company's dedication to nurturing talent, with approximately 200 young individuals commencing their apprenticeships at Merck annually. Notably, over 30% of the workforce is individuals who have successfully completed the apprenticeship program, emphasizing its strategic importance to Merck.
Q. How does Merck integrate digital skills training into its vocational programs for youth, ensuring their adaptability to technological advancements in the industry?
A. Merck incorporates comprehensive digital skills training into its vocational programs in response to the changing technological landscape. The company promotes fundamental digital literacy, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills, allowing trainees to effectively adapt to industry developments. Merck is introducing various training programs to develop skills such as:
1. Foundational Digital Literacy: Merck lays the groundwork for digital proficiency by embedding digital literacy training into the core of its vocational programs. This ensures that all trainees gain a comprehensive understanding of essential digital tools and technologies, including proficiency in using computers, accessing and processing information online, and navigating various digital platforms.
2. Hands-on Exposure to Industry-relevant Digital Technologies: Merck understands that theoretical knowledge alone is not enough. The company provides hands-on exposure to industry-relevant digital technologies, allowing trainees to gain practical experience working with cutting-edge tools and software. This immersive approach prepares them for the specific digital demands of their chosen fields, ensuring a smooth transition from the classroom to the workplace.
3. Industry Partnerships and Mentorship: Merck collaborates closely with industry partners to ensure that its digital skills training aligns with the latest industry requirements and expectations. This collaboration provides trainees with insights into the practical application of digital skills in the workplace and helps them prepare for the specific demands of their chosen industry.
4. Digitalization in VR and AR: Merck takes digital skills training to the next level by incorporating virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) technologies. Trainees can interact with partially depicted systems in VR and AR, gaining valuable hands-on experience before working with real equipment. This immersive training method enhances understanding, reduces errors, and improves overall performance.
Q. How does Merck plan to ensure the sustainability of the skills acquired by the youth in the long term, especially considering the evolving demands of the industries they are being trained for, and how does it intend to scale its initiatives to reach a wider audience in the future?
A. Merck recognizes the importance of ensuring that the skills acquired by the youth through its social initiatives remain relevant and sustainable in the long term, given the rapid pace of technological advancements and the evolving demands of industries. To address this, Merck has implemented a multi-pronged approach:
1. Continuous Upskilling and Adaptability: Merck fosters a culture of lifelong learning among the youth, encouraging them to continuously upgrade their skills and adapt to emerging technologies. This is achieved through ongoing training programs, workshops, and access to industry-relevant resources.
2. Focus on Foundational Skills: Merck emphasizes the development of foundational skills that are transferable and adaptable across industries. This includes problem-solving, critical thinking, communication, and teamwork skills. These skills empower youth to navigate changes and apply their knowledge effectively.
3. Industry Collaboration and Mentorship: Merck actively collaborates with industry partners and experts to stay abreast of the latest industry trends and skill requirements. Mentorship programs connect youth with experienced professionals, providing guidance and support in navigating career paths and adapting to evolving demands.
To scale its initiatives and reach a wider audience, Merck is leveraging technology and partnerships:
1. Technology-enabled Training: Merck is exploring e-learning platforms, virtual reality, and augmented reality to provide accessible and engaging training experiences to a broader range of youth.
2. Partnerships with Educational Institutions: Merck collaborates with educational institutions to integrate its skills training programs into their curriculum, reaching a wider student base.
Q. Besides skilling, what are the other CSR focus areas for Merck in India? Are there any recent achievements or milestones you have achieved in these domains that you would like to share with us?
A. Merck's CSR focus areas in India extend beyond skilling to encompass Education and Culture, Health, and Environment. The company recognizes the interconnectedness of these domains and strives to make a positive impact in all areas.
Merck believes that education is the key to empowering individuals and communities. Through its Merck India Charitable Trust Scholarship program, the company provides financial aid to 10th pass-out students from low socio-economic backgrounds with an amount of INR 35,000/-, enabling them to pursue higher education and break the cycle of poverty. The program has been recognized for its impact and currently supports almost 400 students.
Merck is committed to improving access to quality healthcare for underserved communities. The company partners with local organizations to provide primary healthcare services, cancer screening and awareness, and palliative care support to terminally ill patients. Merck recognizes the importance of environmental sustainability and is committed to reducing its environmental footprint. The company has implemented various initiatives to conserve water, energy, and waste. In addition, Merck supports environmental education and awareness programs in local communities.
Q. Looking ahead, how do you see your social initiatives evolving and scaling up in the near to medium future? Are there any upcoming projects, partnerships, or innovations that you are looking forward to?
A. Merck's social initiatives are poised for a major expansion in the near future, driven by a commitment to empowering youth, fostering sustainability, and addressing societal challenges.
Merck is leveraging technology to transform its skills training programs, using virtual reality, augmented reality, and gamified learning experiences to develop entertaining and effective training modules for a broader spectrum of students. Merck is looking into using artificial intelligence (AI) in its social projects to tailor learning experiences, identify skill gaps, and provide targeted coaching to kids. AI-powered tools will improve training program effectiveness and maximize the impact of Merck's efforts. Merck is broadening its network of strategic alliances with educational institutions, government agencies, and non-profit groups to broaden the reach and impact of its social activities. These collaborations will pool varied knowledge and resources to develop long-term solutions for youth empowerment.
