The youth and trainee representatives represent the interests of trainees and students.

The Youth and Trainee Representation – Starting a Career at Messe Düsseldorf

What does the start of professional life look like for young professionals at Messe Düsseldorf, and how is their voice heard within the company? What role does the Youth and Trainee Representation (German: JAV) play in this?

Our dual students Lea Krämer and Maleen Düser provide insights and answer the following two questions:

What is the Youth and Trainee Representation (JAV)?
What are the responsibilities and rights of the Youth and Trainee Representation?

An Overview of the Youth and Trainee Representation at Messe Düsseldorf

We, Lea Krämer and Maleen Düser, have been working as dual students at Messe Düsseldorf for almost three months. As part of our degree program in Communication and Media Management, we have been actively supporting the MarCom department, which focuses on all things marketing and communication. Now, a completely new task lies ahead of us: the Youth and Trainee Representation (German: JAV).

Lea Krämer, dual student Communication and Media Management

Maleen Düser, dual student Communication and Media Management

Responsibilities of the Youth and Trainee Representation

The JAV, as part of the works council, serves to give apprentices and students a voice and to ensure that their interests are heard. It acts as a spokesperson for the concerns and needs of young employees.

How is the Youth and Trainee Representation elected?

Until now, Lina Gäthke held the position of Youth and Trainee Representative and carried out her duties with great dedication. However, as she will soon complete her training and her two-year term is coming to an end, a new election was held on December 8, 2022. All trainees and students under the age of 25 were eligible to vote. After the votes were counted by the election committee, the results were clear: we will take on the roles of Youth and Trainee Representative and Deputy Representative.

Participation Rights of the Youth and Trainee Representation in Works Council Meetings

New tasks, challenges, and responsibilities lie ahead of us. As part of the works council, we will now be able to attend the weekly council meetings and represent the interests of all apprentices and students. We have voting rights on matters that concern us, can take part in decision-making, and act as the voice of trainees and students within the company.

This also gives us the opportunity to gain insights behind the scenes and get to know and understand Messe Düsseldorf from a different perspective. We're definitely excited to see what’s in store for us.

To help us get started and gain a solid foundation, we will also take part in a multi-day JAV seminar that will prepare us for our new responsibilities.

We’re looking forward to this new challenge and will do our best to represent all apprentices and students.