Bucharest, March 4, 2024 – Kaufland Romania launched the “ACCES Caravan”, together with George Baltă, Kaufland ACCES program ambassador, former rugby player, wheelchair marathoner and motivational speaker, and director Tedy Necula. The project is a new initiative by the retailer to encourage equal opportunities by facilitating access to work opportunities for people with disabilities. The caravan, which will reach nine cities in Romania, aims to provide information about the positions available in the company and the positive work environment, supporting the employment of people with disabilities in Kaufland stores.
The ACCES caravan has already had two stops: on February 23 in Timișoara and on February 24 in Oradea. The following events will take place on: March 8 in Cluj, April 5 in Sibiu, April 6 in Brașov, April 9 in Constanța, April 17 in Iași, April 20 in Craiova and May 13 in Bucharest.
“As I have argued over time, I believe that diversity makes us stronger and is the engine of change in society. At Kaufland, we aim to create a friendly environment for everyone, including people with disabilities. And in order for as many people as possible to find out about the employment opportunities within the company, we launched the ACCES Caravan, through which we want to go to the candidates and give them the opportunity to learn more about the open positions and the work environment . At the moment we have over 500 positions open for people with disabilities, but they are invited to apply for any of the open roles within the company.”, stated Esther AnghelescuDirector of Recruitment and Employer Branding, Kaufland Romania.
Approximately 200 people have already taken part in the first meetings of the Caravan in Timișoara and Oradea. They had the opportunity to participate in interactive workshops, but also to discover the experience of George Baltă, who shared his professional past and the obstacles overcome. Director Tedy Necula also offered advice to those present, talking about the courage and motivation to reinvent yourself when life puts you to the test.
“Life has taught me that every obstacle is an opportunity to prove your strength and resilience. I am glad that thanks to the ACCES Caravan I can pass on my teachings to other people with disabilities. What Kaufland succeeds as an employer is wonderful because it gives a chance to all people to (re)discover themselves through work, in a space where they are valued.”, stated George Baltaambassador of the ACCESS program.
“I am happy to be able to participate in this initiative with George and Kaufland because we all have a common goal: to inspire people to push their limits and find courage even in the most difficult moments of life. For those who will not be able to make it to the caravan, I leave here a thought that I invite you to reflect on: <>.”, stated Teddy Neculadirector.
Kaufland representatives were also present at the events: Estera Anghelescu, Director of Recruitment and Employer Branding, Ștefan Sfeatcu, Project Manager of the ACCES program and Bogdan Cană, Team Leader Recruitment. They presented the employment opportunities within the company and the recruitment process at Kaufland, followed by Q&A sessions and open discussions, through which they enthusiastically answered all the curiosities of those present. In addition, people with disabilities interested in a job had the opportunity to apply on the spot to available positions in Timișoara, Arad and Oradea.
In each location, the hearing-impaired audience benefited from a mime-gestural interpreter from the Romanian National Association of the Deaf. At the same time, at the two events, both representatives of the General Directorates of Social Assistance and Child Protection were invited, as well as relevant NGOs, such as: the Association of the Locomotive Handicapped from Timișoara and Oradea, the National Association of the Deaf from Romania, the Timișoara branches and Oradea, “I'm autistic” Association, “Get up and walk” and more.
At the end of the program, those present enjoyed the screening of the film “Further” directed by Tedy Necula, which has George Baltă in the main role. The film tells George's life story and paints a portrait of courage and perseverance in the face of challenges.
The Kaufland team continues to grow, and everyone who wants a job has several ways to apply: online, on career.kaufland.roby email to the address [email protected]by phone at 021 91 32 or they can contact colleagues at the information desk in any Kaufland store in Romania.
About Kaufland Romania
Kaufland is among the largest retail companies in Europe, with 1,500 stores in 8 countries, 148,000 employees and a network of over 175 stores in Romania. In 2021, Kaufland Romania received the Best Buy Award certification for the fourth time, which certifies that it is the store chain with the best quality-price ratio on the local market. Kaufland also holds the distinction of Customers' Friend for the company with the best customer service, awarded by the international Institute ICERTIAS, following a market analysis. Our objective is to apply the most innovative technologies in the field of retail, so that customers can enjoy fresh products, at the best quality-price ratio, by promoting sustainability and local products. For more information, visit www.kaufland.ro.