SKF units around the world are involved in numerous projects to assist local communities with social development. An example is provided by SKF in Austria.

At Steyr, Austria, a pilot project that brings together SKF employees and disabled young adults for on-the-job skills training has been met with great enthusiasm from both SKF employees and management. The project, named BASKY, is the first of its kind in Austria.

The young people, part of the government-sponsored “Job & Go” programme of Basar Ltd, are aged 15 to 23 and have physical, mental or psychological disabilities. The aim of the programme is to help them improve their work and social skills with special training activities in order to prepare them for future jobs and to better integrate them into society.

BASKY stands for Basar SKF city. Since 2003 SKF employees have been working with the young people on a volunteer mentor basis. The tutors of Job & Go organize together with SKF blue- and white-collar workers and members of the management team for special events such as a “Fun Olympics.” Further trainings help BASKY participants be integrated into the job market.

BASKY is in its third session. In September 2005 the first meeting with the new SKF mentors and the young people took place. The meeting focused on collecting litter together to contribute to a clean environment.

The benefits of BASKY are many: The young people benefit from the company network, which helps in finding jobs and trainee posts, and the mentors benefit by expanding their private network within the company and improving their abilities in teamwork, communication and critical faculties.

BASKY has received positive attention from the Austrian government and the Organization of Industry as an innovative way to bring alive the principles of corporate social responsibility.