Engaged Beyond Business

24th Capability Program

A further education opportunity

In this program, Hilti employees learn how to face the rapidly changing environment, manage the resulting uncertainty, and work together as a team to develop purpose-driven solutions.

The project

Specifically, this hands-on training program teaches participants modern implementation tools as well as intercultural communication and leadership skills by building a social enterprise from the ground up in a rural area of the Global South. The resulting self-sustaining social enterprise is tailored to the specific needs of the local community and focuses on providing quality services at fair prices.

The courses take place in Switzerland and/or online. In addition, the training program includes a trip to a country in the Global South to visit the enterprise created in collaboration with the local community (country to be announced by October 31, 2025). The time commitment counts as regular working hours. The cost of the program, including all travel expenses, is covered by Hilti.

Highlights of the program

Act as an entrepreneur: Step up and take responsibility as a real entrepreneur in the field.

Lead with vision: Lead a diverse team with vision and values in order to achieve results in a short time.

Create impact: Co-found a social enterprise which improves the livelihood of thousands of people. 

Practical implementation

The Capability Program relies on motivated professionals from Hilti, aspiring social entrepreneurs from disadvantaged communities, and impact investors who contribute both money and time. Together, they embark on a six-month journey to create a social enterprise that benefits them all, while learning to take responsibility for themselves, their team and a shared higher purpose.

Building a better future together

The social enterprise provides services specifically tailored to the local population’s needs, charging a small fee to ensure sustainability. This allows it to repay the soft loan it received from impact investors. To date, each social enterprise developed through this program has improved the lives and employment opportunities of at least 1,000 people in disadvantaged communitites.

Bookbridge in numbers

17

countries reached

133

social enterprises set up

190,974

lives impacted in 2023

€826k

in soft loans invested

1,041

purpose-driven leaders developed

Detailed information about the Capability Program

Prerequisites and course dates

Participants will also receive nine ECTS credits from WHU, Germany’s leading business school. To qualify for the program, applicants must have a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) and at least two years of post-graduate work experience. The program fee of 9,500 EUR, which covers all costs, is fully funded by the Hilti Group. Participation is compensated as working time. In principle, all Hilti employees are eligible, but an interview with Bookbridge is required. The interview, which is conducted online and lasts approximately 45 minutes, allows candidates to explain their motivation and ask questions. It helps assess their fit with the program and their potential to make a meaningful contribution to the project.

The 24th Capability Program enables Hilti employees to further develop their leadership skills while making a direct and meaningful impact in a country in the Global South (country to be announced by October 31, 2025). This part-time program runs for six months, with a total of 16 learning days spread over the duration of the program.

  • 15.04.26 - 17.04.26

    Switzerland

  • 16.05.26 - 23.05.26

    To be announced

  • 15.07.26 - 17.07.26

    Switzerland

  • 15.10.26 - 16.10.26

    Switzerland

Do you have any questions? You can reach us by e-mail: foundation-ebb.hiltiteam@hilti.com