The parent company EWES AB operates in an area characterised by active entrepreneurship and strives to be an attractive employer. Through its partnership with Campus Värnamo, the company takes part in discussions and initiatives on skills development and long-term training.
As the only company in the region, EWES has taken part in the pilot project “Industrisvenska” (Industrial Swedish), in which interested employees completed ten lessons of industrial Swedish led by Ann-Carolin Pollack, an experienced SFI (Swedish for Immigrants) teacher. Daniela Gorsic, HR Manager at EWES, comments on the project:
“Industrial Swedish has been very valuable and appreciated, both for us as an employer and for the participants.”
During the course, participants learned not only the names of tools but also the company's policies and why they matter. Topics such as complaint handling were given particular emphasis, with a focus on creating an inclusive environment where mistakes are seen as shared lessons, rooted in EWES' culture of shared responsibility, known as “The power of WE”.
Daniela also points out that everyday routines such as waste sorting can be challenging for those who come from countries without an established recycling culture. Through words and pictures, participants were given explanations of why and how to sort waste.
Finally, besides the participants from Moldova, China, Ethiopia, Syria and Romania gaining new knowledge, the managers at EWES have also become more aware of the importance of their communication.
“We have learned that everything we say matters. Our choice of words is more important than we think,” concludes Daniela.
Some voices from the Industrial Swedish course
We asked three participants what the best thing about the course was. We also asked whether they think Industrial Swedish should be offered at more companies.
From left: Florin Suciu, Jian Cheng and Sallam Mufid Sallom
Florin Suciu
Florin works in the tool department. He has been at EWES for as long as he has lived in Sweden – six years. He is originally from Romania. He thinks the best thing about working at EWES is that it is never boring.
“The best thing about the course is that it has helped me understand the conditions of the job. I definitely think Industrial Swedish should be offered at more companies. It makes things easier.”
Jian Cheng
For almost two years, Jian from China has worked with assembly and grinding at EWES. She has lived in Sweden for 14 years. Jian sees it as a newcomer's duty to work, study, learn Swedish and socialise and eat together with colleagues.
“The best thing about Industrial Swedish is that I have learned many new words and industry-specific knowledge. I think Industrial Swedish should be offered at more companies.”
Sallam Sallom
Sallam was born in Palestine and came to Sweden in 2018. He has worked in the grinding shop for one year. When it comes to EWES, he has nothing but positive things to say: friendly colleagues and good managers. He particularly wants to highlight Daniela, who according to him is the best HR manager there is.
“The best thing about Industrial Swedish was that the teacher explained everything we didn't understand. I thought the homework was a good idea. Of course Industrial Swedish should be offered at every company!”
