Balma recognized as “Employer – Development Ambassador” in Greater Poland
Balma has received a distinction in the “Pracodawca – Ambasador Rozwoju” (“Employer – Development Ambassador”) competition for its long-term commitment to supporting knowledge-based growth, innovation, and vocational education across Greater Poland.
Award in the 2nd edition of the “Employer – Development Ambassador” competition
The recognition was granted as part of the second edition of the competition, highlighting employers who actively contribute to regional development by investing in people, skills, and modern professional education.
Gala in Poznań on 20 January 2026
During the official gala held on 20 January 2026 in Poznań, Balma was honored by the Urząd Marszałkowski Województwa Wielkopolskiego, confirming the company’s strong position as a responsible partner for the region.
ESG at Balma: education and local development in practice
This distinction aligns with Balma’s ESG approach—where social responsibility means concrete, measurable actions that strengthen local communities, develop future talent, and build long-term employability.
The “Zawodowiec” project: helping young people choose a career path
More than five years ago, Balma launched the “Zawodowiec” project to support young people from the region in choosing a vocational path and gaining hands-on experience in the carpenter profession in a modern factory in Tarnowo Podgórne.
Real factory experience: daily production work and special initiatives
Participants learn through everyday production tasks and by joining special projects, such as building nesting boxes donated to Nadleśnictwo Konstantynowo and a long-running chair renovation initiative, with furniture donated to the Tarnowski Sztab WOŚP.
Thirteen students currently trained across key production areas
As of today, thirteen students are training at Balma within assembly, carpentry, and the machine shop. This structure allows them to build broad, job-ready competencies while learning quality standards expected in a modern manufacturing environment.
Mentorship from production leaders and growing confidence on the job
– “Currently, we have thirteen students training in assembly, the carpentry shop, and the machine shop,” says Mariusz Majchrzak. – “As a mentor for young talent, I’m proud to accompany them in their development and watch their confidence and skills grow.”
Long-term cooperation with the Technical School Complex in Tarnowo Podgórne
For years, Balma has collaborated with the Zespół Szkół Technicznych w Tarnowie Podgórnym, offering practical placements and, importantly, a real employment perspective after graduation.
Career awareness meetings for 8th-grade students since 2019
Since 2019, the company has also run a series of meetings for 8th-grade students from the Tarnowo Podgórne municipality, helping teenagers better understand the carpenter trade and make informed decisions about their next education steps.
Technology Innovation Lab launched in 2022 with Balma as initiator
In 2022, a Technology Innovation Lab was opened at the school—an initiative originated and driven by Balma. The company provided substantive and technological support and co-created the operating principles of the lab, where students learn safe hand-tool and power-tool use, as well as the “technical culture” expected in modern industry.
2025 furniture repair and renovation workshops with upholstery elements
In 2025, Balma worked with students on furniture repair and renovation workshops, including basic upholstery components. The program helped young people build hands-on technical skills while delivering tangible value to the local community through the results of their work.
Ryszard Balcerkiewicz as the driving force behind the initiatives
The initiator of these educational and community-focused projects was Ryszard Balcerkiewicz—Balma’s founder and Chairman of the Supervisory Board.
Apprenticeships in the 2025/2026 school year across several local schools
In the 2025/2026 school year, thirteen students complete practical vocational training at Balma: ten from the Technical School Complex in Tarnowo Podgórne, one from a construction-and-woodworking school in Poznań, one from School No. 3 in Szamotuły, and one from a first-degree vocational school in Buk.
Graduates staying with the company and strengthening the production team
So far, sixteen graduates from the Tarnowo Podgórne technical school have completed apprenticeships at Balma. More than half of them now co-create Balma’s production team, showing that vocational education can translate directly into stable, local careers.
Local labor market impact and 90% of employees from the area
– “For many years we have focused on supporting our local community. More than 90% of our workforce are people living near Balma’s factory in Tarnowo Podgórne,” emphasizes Olga Sobczak. – “We are glad we can also cooperate with local schools, shaping young people’s future and contributing to the development of the local labor market.”
A proven model of business–community partnership in Greater Poland
Balma’s long-standing cooperation with the Technical School Complex in Tarnowo Podgórne delivers measurable benefits for students, the school, and the company—serving as a strong example of how business and local communities can collaborate to support skills, employment, and regional growth.
