"Lack of apprenticeships" and "youth unemployment" are more than just buzzwords in an ongoing public debate. These phrases stand for the personal fate of many, signifying a lack of apprenticeship training positions. When it comes to the discussion regarding the related social responsibilities of companies, we respond with action. We have been providing apprenticeship training in excess of our own requirements for years. At the end of 2007, E.ON companies in Germany employed a total of 2,656 apprentices. This means the proportion of apprentices for the group exceeds seven percent and improved once again compared to the previous year.

2007 saw additional significant enhancements to the apprenticeship pact with the federal government. A total of 100 additional apprenticeship positions and 100 internships were added to the normal number at E.ON. Furthermore, we financed approximately 430 career preparation internships for socially disadvantaged youths at a total of 19 locations in Germany with our project "Mit Energie dabei". We are proud to say that an average of 80 percent of project participants were successfully placed in permanent apprenticeship or employment positions with small to medium-sized enterprises in the region.

By the end of 2007, a total of 220 employees also completed the "Apprenticeship Scheme" offered by E.ON UK – an installation and conductor technology apprenticeship. E.ON U.S. also offers an officially recognized and certified conductor technology apprenticeship program.

Offering apprenticeships to people with disabilities is important to us. In 2005, we launched the "Gleiche Chancen für alle" (Equal chances for everyone) promotion in Germany in cooperation with the Ministry of Employment and Social Services. In 2007, the number of disabled apprentices at E.ON rose by 27 percent since 2006.

In 2006, E.ON AG and E.ON Ruhrgas developed the OneE.ON Business Game that encourages apprentices to broaden their horizons. The virtual platform allows young people to expand their knowledge about E.ON and the energy sector while networking with other apprentices throughout the group. The business game received the OneE.ON Award in 2007.

We are very pleased to have received the "Fair Company Seal" from the career network. This award is presented to companies who offer interns a fair deal. This includes commensurate compensation, a realistic perspective and no false promises to applicants regarding their prospects after an internship when applying for a permanent position.