Koenig & Bauer has welcomed 103 apprentices and dual study programme students who are beginning their careers at the company’s locations in Germany and Austria. The new recruits are entering various technical and commercial roles within the field of printing press engineering.
According to Dr Stephen Kimmich, CEO of Koenig & Bauer, vocational training plays a key role in the company’s long-term workforce strategy. “Training young talent is an investment in our future,” he said. “The industry is evolving quickly, and we need skilled workers who are prepared to adapt and innovate.”
Dr Christine Bötsch, head of global human resources at the company, added that the apprenticeship programmes not only provide hands-on experience and formal training for young professionals but also help ensure a steady pipeline of qualified staff to support the company’s operations. “This contributes directly to our long-term ability to remain competitive and innovative,” she stated.
The majority of the new apprentices – 45 in total – are based at the company’s headquarters in Würzburg, which hosts an in-house vocational school. Manuel Eisenmann, head of technical apprenticeships in Würzburg, noted that this integrated setup allows the company to closely align training with its technologies and production processes. “We’ve been following this model for over 150 years. The combination of classroom instruction and practical training on site enables us to prepare apprentices specifically for our needs,” he said.
Dr Kimmich noted that the expansion of training options reflects the company’s evolution beyond traditional mechanical engineering. “Our focus remains on precision mechanical engineering, but we are now operating as a broader technology group. Our training programmes are adapting to reflect that,” he said.
