Gebrüder Weiss Expands Apprenticeship Program with 110 New Recruits
International logistics company Gebrüder Weiss welcomes a new cohort of apprentices, with 110 individuals in their early career starting their training across Austria, Germany, and Switzerland. It is encouraging to see that the number of apprentices has stayed more or less the same (2023: 105). Most of the apprenticeship places available have been filled, while a further 20 could still be taken up during the course of the year.
“We offer these young men and women a stimulating educational experience that not only enables them to familiarize themselves with the basic principles of the transport and logistics industry, but also gives them plenty of impetus to spur them on in their careers,” explains Monika Mandl, Head of Human Resources Development at Gebrüder Weiss. “As well as teaching them specialist knowledge, our aim is to support these apprentices in their personal development and help to uncover and explore hidden potential.”
The company supports professional development in a number of ways, including through targeted efforts to encourage trainees to participate in apprentice and vocational competitions. Up-and-coming logistics experts have taken advantage of these opportunities in years past with very positive results. In 2024, one freight forwarding apprentice from Gebrüder Weiss Austria became the only representative from her specialist area to qualify for the prestigious WorldSkills international competition for professionals, which will take place in Lyon, France, this fall.
Gebrüder Weiss offers its apprentices opportunities beyond just training. By working their way through various departments, they gain well-rounded insights into the different areas of activity in the logistics sector and benefit from the knowledge of more experienced colleagues. They can also use the extensive range of internal continuing education courses available. “There are so many options for ambitious apprentices to enjoy a successful career at Gebrüder Weiss after completing their training,” says Mandl.
Overall, Gebrüder Weiss employs 326 apprentices at 41 locations in Austria, Germany, and Switzerland, and around 40 percent are women. Another 26 young people are also currently training with the company in Bulgaria and Serbia.
In Austria, the logistics company also offers a shortened training program through its “Duale Akademie” (“Dual Academy”) for trainees who have already completed a secondary school and want to pursue a career as a freight forwarding agent or a company logistics agent.