Is Germany setting the standard for print apprenticeships?

• by Jonathan Pert

A range of German companies within the print industry have made announcements about their schemes which support young people entering the workforce, highlighting the impact of the country's dual system of vocational training.

Germany's dual system of vocational education and training combines practical, on-the-job training at a company with theoretical classroom instruction at a vocational school.

Apprentices work for companies three or four days a week, receiving practical skills and a salary, and attend school one to two days a week for general and theoretical education, often with block attendance options.

The precise skills and theory taught are strictly regulated and defined by national standards. There are 328 state-recognised training occupations, and each occupation must be recognised by the relevant specialist ministry and by the education ministry. This aims to ensure that workplace vocational training is standardised across the country.

Koenig & Bauer, the oldest printing press manufacturer in the world still in service, is supporting 103 young people through the scheme, with new apprentices and dual study programme students starting their careers at the group's sites in both Germany and Austria.

45 of the apprentices have started at the company's headquarters in Würzburg, utilising its vocational school which aims to be a valuable advantage for both the apprentices and the local teams.

Young professionals at Koenig & Bauer work in various departments to gain wider insights into the company's processes. The personal development of young people is also promoted through opportunities such as exchange trips, seminars, and stays abroad.

Manuel Eisenmann, head of technical apprenticeships in Würzburg at Koenig & Bauer, comments: "Our in-house vocational school is at the heart of our dual apprenticeship and a decisive competitive advantage."

"Thanks to the close spatial and professional integration of theory and practice, we can optimally prepare our apprentices for the demands of our company. The lessons are tailored exactly to our products and technologies, allowing us to train future skilled workers with precision while also enabling a smooth transition into their professional lives."

Koehler Group, owners of paper manufacturer, Koehler Paper, has also announced its vocational education and training programme for 2025.

41 young people started a new chapter in their careers on September 1st, with their training at the Koehler Group kicking off at the company's German sites in Oberkirch, Kehl, Willstätt, Weisenbach, and Greiz.

The kickoff event took place in Willstätt, where the new apprentices and students were given an official welcome as part of their orientation week by company representatives including Koehler Group chief executive officer, Kai Furler.

The new apprentices are pursuing career paths including as mechatronics technicians, electronics technicians specialising in industrial applications, industrial mechanics, paper technologists, machine and system operators, print media technologists, and industrial administrators.

The range of options also includes a business administration dual-study programme, and for the first time, a media designer will be receiving training at Koehler Group subsidiary, CC Coaster – an option that will be offered every three years in the future.

During an official welcome speech, Elke Renz, corporate director of HR and legal at Koehler Group, said: "At Koehler, training and apprenticeships are much more than just a way to get started with one's professional journey – they're a key element of our sustainable business strategy.

"Modern learning environments and a dedicated instructor team are how we create optimal conditions that ensure that our young talent gets the personal and professional development it deserves."

In addition, Heidelberger Druckmaschinen (HEIDELBERG), a global manufacturer of sheetfed offset printing presses, is also welcoming around 100 new trainees and dual study program students to its sites in Germany, with its Wiesloch-Walldorf headquarters hosting 75 of those.

In its announcement about the scheme, HEIDELBERG says that it is making a clear statement regarding the prospects of young adults and the company's future, focusing on "award-winning training for the targeted development of homegrown talent."

Jürgen Otto, chief executive officer of HEIDELBERG, says: "Our junior staff will shape the future. By offering challenging training, we are maintaining our power to innovate and our technology leadership."

"We are making a point of investing in young people because they will acquire the expertise we need for the further transformation of our company."

All participants for the company's sponsorship initiative will subsequently be taken on as trainees in 2025. In this way, HEIDELBERG aims to open doors for a wider range of younger people, including those with unconventional educational backgrounds.

Rainer Haus, head of personnel development and training at HEIDELBERG, adds: "Training and studying are the key to a self-determined life. They open up opportunities, create prospects, and give young people the freedom to shape their own destiny."

"Trainees who are passionate about what they are doing won't just learn but will also grow – on both a technical and a personal level. I am happy to welcome anyone who has the courage to actively take hold of their future and get off to a flying start with us."