Start of new training year at Heidelberg – fostering young talent ensures future power to innovate

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At the start of the training year on September 1, 2025, Heidelberg is welcoming around 100 new trainees and dual study programme students to its sites in Germany. The Wiesloch-Walldorf site will be home to 75 of them. In this way, the company is once again making a clear statement regarding the prospects of young adults and the company’s future. Award winning training for the targeted development of its homegrown talent is a key component of the human resources strategy adopted by Heidelberg as a global technology company.

‘Our junior staff will shape the future. By offering challenging training, we are maintaining our power to innovate and our technology leadership,’ said Jürgen Otto, CEO. ‘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.’

The training programmes have an international orientation, include digital learning formats, and address topics that are relevant for the future, such as AI supported automation, as well as key aspects relating to complex heavy engineering with global customers. 

‘Our training reflects our group’s complexity,’ emphasised Melanie Jaklin, head of human resources. ‘From technical professions and commercial training to dual study programmes – we offer young people prospects and opportunities to develop that extend far beyond the beginning of their careers. Trainees starting out at our company can make it to the top.’

One particularly encouraging fact is that the collectively agreed sponsorship year remains a success model for the company. In 2025, all participants in this sponsorship initiative will subsequently be taken on as trainees. In this way, Heidelberg is making a point of opening doors, even for university dropouts and young people with unconventional educational backgrounds.

‘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,’ said Rainer Haus, head of personnel development/training.

Through this commitment, the company is emphasising its role as an attractive employer and training company that sees training not merely as an obligation, but as a strategic opportunity.

The application phase for training and dual study programmes starting in September 2026 is already underway. During the selection process for training and study places at Heidelberg, other decisive factors besides good grades include social skills and aptitude for the relevant job description, especially since digitalisation is becoming increasingly important in the sector. Full details of vocational training and the careers portal can be found on the Heidelberg website.